Q&A with Ellyse Strickland, Russellville High School tennis senior
Q: How old were you when you started playing tennis?
A: 13
Q: Was there anyone special in your life who helped you become a great player, and how?
A: My mother helped me get to the point I am today because when she was younger she played tennis, and she pushed me to be the best I could be.
Q: How do you get ready for a match?
A: Before almost every match I eat Subway or Speedy Pig.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not involved with tennis?
A: I like to go kayaking and to craft.
Q: Did you have any routines or superstitions before or in a match?
A: If I serve an ace with one ball, the next serve I have to serve with that same ball.
Q: What is your favorite tennis memory?
A: Playing at state each year and getting to spend time in Mobile with my friends.
Q: What is life after being a tennis player for you?
A: I think that I will play tennis for the rest of my life; even after college I will continue to play in USTA leagues.
Q: What are your thoughts on your season coming to an abrupt end?
A: Going into this season I had high hopes and wanted to make it past the first day of state. I was very disappointed that my team did not have the opportunity to win section for the third time in my high school career.