For Shadow Ridge senior Blake Ballantyne, tennis is more than just a high school sport, it’s a personal journey that began with family and evolved into a defining part of his high school experience.
“I started playing tennis because my grandpa played,” Ballantyne said. “When I was younger, we’d go out and hit together, and that’s where it all started. It was just something fun for us to do, but over time, I really started to enjoy it more. I’ve been playing for six years now, and in that time, it’s become something I truly love. It’s taught me so much, not just about competition, but about myself too.”
What began as casual games with his grandfather turned into a serious commitment as Ballantyne joined the Shadow Ridge Tennis Team and worked his way up as a dedicated singles player. Along the way, he’s collected countless memories, but one match stands out as a turning point.
“The most memorable match I’ve had was against Arbor,” he recalled. “I was down 1–5, and it didn’t look good at all. But I told myself to stay calm, keep playing smart, and be patient. I managed to come all the way back and win in a tiebreaker against their number two singles player. That match showed me what I was capable of when I stayed focused and didn’t give up.”
Mental strength, he says, is just as important as physical skill. Ballantyne has learned how to manage pressure and stay composed when the stakes are high.
“Before a match, I always try to calm my mind and just breathe. It’s easy to overthink or get anxious, especially in tight situations. Tennis has really taught me the value of patience, not just in a match, but in life. You can’t force the point. It’s about who can stay consistent and wait for the right moment.”
Though he doesn’t plan to pursue college tennis, he has no intention of leaving the sport behind.
“I won’t be playing competitively in college, but I’ll definitely keep playing for fun with friends. It’s a great way to stay active and still enjoy the game,” stated Ballantyne.
As graduation approaches, Ballantyne says what he’ll miss most isn’t just the matches, it’s the bond he shares with his teammates.
“Our team is really close. We’ve had a lot of fun together over the years, and that’s something I’ll always remember.”
His teammate, Giovanni Galvan, has not been playing as long as Ballantyne, but has been able to spend the tennis season learning from Ballantyne along with his other teammates.
“Blake is an experienced player, basically playing his whole life, so playing with him only pushes me to become as good as he is. I enjoy playing with Blake because of his wisdom. He is always trying to help me improve my form or motions within the strategies of tennis since I have only been playing for about three months,” states Galvan.
