Spring Hill senior Zach Couch has designed the most of his time on the court. Now, the Panther standout is getting ready for his very first journey to condition.
The Spring Hill senior topped fellow state qualifier Emilio Rodriguez of Lindale (6-3, 1-6, 6-3) in this month’s Course 4A boys singles regional final to progress to play Lake Belton’s Brodie Reed in Tuesday’s 9:15 a.m. Class 4A state quarterfinal match at San Antonio’s Annemarie Tennis Centre.
A acquire would put him in the semifinals at 3:15 p.m. The point out title match is set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
“I bought a wonderful attract,” mentioned Couch. “Whenever you gain your region, you routinely get to enjoy any individual who bought second put in their region. I experience like I received a fantastic shot of winning that initial round match. I keep wondering that I’m a few matches absent from a point out title, but you even now take that a single at a time.”
That self esteem degree has been obvious in the course of Couch’s career, so it shouldn’t be a shocked that he’s wrapping up his substantial school career at the remaining event achievable.
“You can’t occur in with the mentality that somebody’s likely to conquer you,” stated Couch. “I can admit that any individual may possibly be a better participant, but I know that any individual can be defeat any working day in the sport. I also know how much time I have devoted to the sport. I have lived and breathed tennis for the previous 6 yrs. When you place in the perform and you’ve carried out all the things you can, you have assurance in your individual skills.”
Sofa has occur a long way considering that he initial picked up a racquet, and there is even been a recognizable big difference between his freshman and senior calendar year enjoy.
He jumped on the scene when he competed at doubles regionals as a freshman, and has already topped that with an development to condition as a senior this 12 months. The two deep period runs bookended his COVID-shortened sophomore campaign, and the coaching absent from Spring Hill’s workforce as a junior.
“Coach [Will] Stewart has completed a terrific occupation this yr, and has genuinely served me create a ton,” Couch explained of his progression. “As properly as previous year, I left city and went to New Braunfels to teach for tennis at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. Each time you’ve used eight months totally surrounded by tennis, that really assists coming again to high university. You really feel like you have witnessed increased degree, so points never shock you as a lot.”
Irrespective of what transpires this 7 days, Sofa has undoubtedly still left a mark on Spring Hill’s tennis system.
“Zach’s worked challenging every year that he’s been below,” claimed Stewart. “He’s extremely concentrated and pushed as an person. I’m enthusiastic for his long run and what he is going to do.”
Sofa has even place himself in a position to compete at the university stage. His major two choices are East Texas Baptist College and McMurry University.
“I’d like to commit a single year creating and continuing to strengthen at a method in state,” mentioned Couch. “Even though I begun 6 many years ago, I was late to the sport. I’m wanting for a program with an wonderful team, supportive coach, and a program that traces up with my vision.”
Course 3AWhite Oak’s combined doubles staff of Reese Saccoccio and Jacob Gibbs will get on the Stockdale staff of Maddy Marquez and Kenan Haecker at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
A gain would deliver them to the semifinals established for 2 p.m. Tuesday, and the point out title match is on faucet at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Also on Tuesday, the Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill boys doubles workforce of Braden Cuahanan and Vincent Rodriguez will get on the Ingram Moore crew of Ashton Palacio and Patrick Lambert at 8 a.m. Semifinals are established for 2 p.m. Tuesday, with the championship match scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday.
Follow Thomas Bingham on Twitter: @Texan8thGen
