Name: Gracie Kozma

School, spring sport and position/event: Horizon High School, Tennis, Singles & Doubles Varsity captain

Awards or recognitions you’ve received while playing in high school: I am lettering this year

How long have you been playing your sport? I have been playing tennis for three years and have been on the team since my sophomore year.

Why did you choose to play your sport? When I started playing I had no clue where it would take me or why I was doing it other than that it was fun. After being on the team for three years and now as a captain I am confident that it has given me some of my closest friends and one of the best choices I’ve made in high school and life.

What is your favorite personal sports memory from your playing career? Most of my favorite memories are the matches won of course, but even when we lost we are still so united and there for each other. After every match I always had a teammate come up to me and tell me how great I played and what to work on whether it was a win or loss.

Who has impacted you the most along your sports journey? Why? Sam Morris is a coach I’ve worked with closely since I first began playing and I really admire. He always pushed me to be better and it paid off every single time. Jon Van Ache is another coach i have to mention because he transformed my game and fixed the little things I was struggling with. I am so beyond grateful to have gotten to work with the best coaches and have role models that I will always look up to.

What are you going to miss most about high school sports? The thing I will miss most about my my high school tennis career will be getting to be with brand new best friends every year, getting to welcome in the freshmen and help them learn how the team works. I will especially miss my two fellow captains Anna Meyer and Sona Shah who I’ve gotten to grow close to the past three years.

What comes next for you after high school? I am going to ASU and majoring in political science and the economy. I will not be continuing my tennis career, but I am so thankful for all the memories I’ve made.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen? Take advantage of the time you have with your teammates. Go to practice and work hard. Listen to all the constructive criticism from your coaches and teammates. Be confident in your abilities, challenge calls and your spot on the ladder. Most importantly, have fun and don’t let the losses get to you.

Editor’s Note: The Independent is seeking to highlight senior spring athlete’s whose seasons were cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can email News Services Editor Josh Martinez at jmartinez@newszap.com for a questionnaire to fill out for a future senior spotlight.