Star Student Caitlyn Lay’s Rise to Varsity Success

Caitlyn Lay never expected to fall in love with tennis when she first picked up a racquet in her freshman year of high school. She wasn’t particularly interested in the sport at first. She only joined because her friend was involved, and she thought it might be fun to give it a try. It didn’t take long for Caitlyn to realize that tennis was more than just a hobby — it was something she truly loved. Much of that love can be credited to her former coach, Dave Brown, who made the game enjoyable and helped her realize her potential.

One of Caitlyn’s biggest challenges was the cost associated with the sport. Tennis requires a significant investment in racquets, shoes and training fees. Fortunately, Coach Brown stepped in to help. He provided the equipment she needed and covered fees for training at George Fox University. His support made it possible for Caitlyn to keep playing and continue improving.

Caitlyn’s first year on the court was a struggle. She lost every match during her freshman season except for the very last one. That single victory lit a fire within her, and she was determined not to stay at the bottom. She started putting in a lot of time and practice, and her perseverance paid off. Now, as a senior, she’s aiming to reach the number one spot on her varsity team.

Dave Brown has been more than just a coach to Caitlyn. He saw potential in her even when she struggled to believe in herself. His encouragement and belief in her abilities were so significant that she wrote her college essay about his influence on her life, both as a player and as a person.

As she heads into her final season, Caitlyn is more motivated than ever. Her competitive spirit drives her to push her limits and strive for greatness on the court. Currently ranked number two on her team, Caitlyn is determined to reach the top spot. Another goal is to make it to the top three in districts, which would earn her a spot at the state competition.

Caitlyn’s journey in tennis has been about more than just improving her skills; it has also taught her valuable life lessons. “If you try hard enough, you can achieve anything,” she reflects. Tennis did not come naturally to Caitlyn. Her success is a testament to her work ethic and competitive spirit. She plans to continue playing in college, either on a team or in club tournaments, with hopes of competing for as long as possible.

For Caitlyn, being part of the tennis team has provided more than just a competitive outlet; it’s given her a sense of belonging and a support system. Despite a challenging upbringing and family struggles, her teammates have always been there for her, offering encouragement and backing her up when she needed it most.

What Caitlyn loves most about tennis is the constant opportunity for growth. There is always room to improve, no matter how long she plays. Her passion for tennis keeps her motivated and drives her to be better — both for herself and to prove to people who doubted she could succeed.

Caitlyn Lay’s journey in tennis is a powerful example of how hard work, dedication and the influence of a great coach can shape an athlete’s path. As she looks to the future, she knows that the lessons she’s learned on the court will continue to guide her, both in tennis and in life.