VYPE: Ava, what grade are you in this year and when did you start playing tennis?

Ava Vara: I’m in 11th grade and I started playing tennis when I was 15.

VYPE: What are you playing for DCHS?

AV: I play number 2 doubles.

VYPE: What is the strength of your game and what have you improved on the most?

AV: I would say my strength would be my ability to play at the net and my serves have definitely improved the most.

VYPE: What makes DCHS a great place for you as a student-athlete?

AV: DCHS is a great place for me because they’ve really helped me grow as a person and as an athlete.

VYPE: What’s the biggest challenge you face as a high school tennis player?

AV: My biggest challenge was going from playing a sport I’ve played my whole life to playing a sport I knew nothing about so I definitely had to adjust my mindset.

VYPE: How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?

AV: I mentally prepare by just going in with a blank mind and telling myself to relax and that whatever happens was meant to be.

VYPE: What do you love most about your teammates?

AV: What I love the most about my teammates is they’re ability to just have each other’s backs, one of us could have a bad match and we’re just there for each other and pick each other up.

VYPE: Who inspires you?

AV: My mom inspires me off the court because she’s shown me how to be strong and she’s always been there for me.

VYPE: What does the support of the parents, coaches and fans mean to you?

AV: The support from them means everything it definitely makes me feel more confident and they help me get out of head a lot.

VYPE: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

AV: An accomplishment I’m proud of would be making varsity my first year of playing tennis.

VYPE: What are you plans for life after high school?
AV: My goal for after high school is to play softball in college and major in elementary education and ultimately become a teacher.