Growing up, freshman Stephen Gervase found himself playing numerous sports but he eventually fell in love with tennis. Currently, Gervase is ranked number 8 in North Carolina. Although he is only a freshman, Gervase has been a great addition to the team. Recently, the GH Falcon sat down with Gervase to learn more about his tennis career and his plans for the future.

What made you start playing tennis?

So, basically, I wanted to play tennis one day because I was out at dinner when I was around 6 or 7 years old and saw it on tv. I had already been doing many sports, like soccer, baseball, and basketball, but wanted to try a one on one sport. 

What is your biggest accomplishment as a tennis player?

I think my biggest accomplishment has been getting to play in very large tournaments like level ones in Georgia and Alabama.

What are some of the goals you want to achieve as a member of the GH Men’s Tennis Team?

I think as a member of the tennis team I want to be able to win States as a team and help everyone improve as much as possible.

What plans do you have after high school?

After high school, I hope to play Division 1 tennis and follow it through college.

How do you balance playing tennis with your academics?

I think the main way I balance playing tennis and academics is getting things done the second I have the chance, taking advantage of doing things at lunch so I do not have as much to do at home and get more time to train.

What is your pre-game routine?

My pre-game routine consists of lots of stressing. It also involves lots of breathing strategies to get me calm for my matches. These also help me when I’m out there during those long matches.

What is your daily routine like as a tennis player?

My daily routine is waking up around 5:30 in the morning and getting ready for school. I usually get to school early and get work done when I can. After school, when I don’t have high school practice, I’m at my own practice at Cary Tennis Park where I have practice from 3-6. When I do have practice with the team, it’s from 3 to 4:15 and then I will join my other practice until 6. After that I get to go home, get work done, eat, shower, and go to bed around 10 to 10:30.

What advice would you give to your teammates or the Green Hope community in general?

Advice I would give to my teammates, or Green Hope in general, is to keep working at something until you get better.

As Gervase begins his first year on the Green Hope Tennis team, the GH Falcon wishes him the best.