Athlete of the Week: Senior tennis player Adil Ashar

Senior Adil Ashar has helped push the tennis team to their 10-4 record as they wrap up the season and try to make a run in the state tournament.

For you, what was a highlight of your most recent competition? 

Recently we just played Iowa City High, and I won my match, and we won as a team 8-1 in a breeze. 

What makes your sport special and different?

It’s a very physical and mentally demanding sport, and it’s only you in there at times, so it can be really tough mentally. 

How long have you been into this sport, and what were the early days of your participation? 

I used to play when I was little then took a break and picked it back up again and never looked back. 

How did/do you cope with any setbacks/losses you’ve experienced in your sport?

Always just think about the next match and see what I can do differently and what I need to work on to get better. 

Who has been particularly influential in helping your growth in this sport?

I would say 1. My coach at the club (Javier Hervas) who has made me who I am today. And also former teammates. 

What do you do to prepare yourself before a game?

Just put myself in the right mindset and think about a game plan. 

How do you work on improving your skills in this sport? 

Usually with my coach at the tennis club we work on everything and particularly the things I didn’t do as well last time. 

What’s a personal skill that you are targeting lately?

My serve. I like to get my serve better and better each time because it has a huge impact on my game. 

Do you have plans to play this sport after high school? 

No.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your sport?

To me, it’s improving. I always love to get better and improve, and seeing progress is what keeps me going more. 

What has been a highlight for you/your team so far this season?

Definitely beating Caleb Peterson from Ankeny Centennial in doubles. He’s one of the best in the state, so it was huge. 

As you see it, what are the biggest tests remaining for you/your team yet this season? We have Linn Mar on the 11th of May, which is a huge meet for us as Linn Mar is fifth in state, and beating them would be huge for state seedlings, and also Districts on Monday the 9th, which is also huge for us.