By Cooper Chadwick
Becoming doubles partners late in the year last year, juniors Preston Heard and Brady Crawford had to develop good on court chemistry and had to do it fast. Maize South’s juniors are ready to build on that connection they created last year and make for another stellar season.
“The relationship between me and my partner was good. I knew that I was a weaker player than him, so I knew every time I stepped on the court I had to step up. My partner had good volleys and a good forehand. I was weaker at the net, but I had a better mental game,” Heard said.
Heard is excited to get back on the court and represent his school and has high hopes that he and Crawford will make a deep state run this year.
“My motivation for this season is to work with my partner to be top 3 in doubles, and generate enough points to help the team win league, regionals, and finish in the top two at state,” Heard said.
Heard also spent a lot of the offseason playing tennis in group lessons, private lessons and tournaments.
“Over the summer I was on a team that went to the USTA sectional championships which was a very exciting and unique experience,” Heard said.
Unfortunately for Crawford he spent the summer with a stress fracture in his back which took aways 12 weeks of his offseason, which he feels was a waste and a set back to his skill development. As soon as Crawford was able to get back on the court he did and spent his time well doing private and group lessons to keep his service game and technique on point.
