Up to the challenge: A Q&A with San Marcos tennis player Lacey Smyth

By: MARWAN RAZOUKM - Staff Writer | Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:07 AM PST ∞

Q: How did you get started in competitive tennis?

A: My parents taught me how to play because they have played before. My mom played competitively in college. My dad didn't play competitively but started later and plays now. They influenced me, but I was the one that wanted to do this. I started playing at 3 or 4 years old. They introduced me to new things and pushed and supported me at the things I wanted to do.

Q: Who do you look up to outside of your parents?

A: Anybody who's on the pro tour, really. The desire that they have and hard work they put in to be pros makes it seem possible. I like watching Kim Clijsters because she has intensity on the court and is very respectful on the court.

Q: Do you play tournaments right now outside of high school tennis?

A: I've been playing tournaments since I was 8 years old. Most weekends my family drives me to Orange County to play. Usually, it's two weekends for an entire tournament. If you advance past the first weekend, you go back for the next.

Q: What are some of the challenges that you face in tournament tennis that you might not face on the high school level?

A: I moved up to the 16-up division so it's getting tougher. All the girls that play tournament tennis are tough and play all the time.

Q: Is there a specific match or opponent that you can talk about?

A: There is one girl, Kaitlyn Christian (Orange Lutheran High) from Orange County. I've played her a lot. Her game is difficult to play, but it has been a motivation to me. It has helped me as a player.

Q: Do you feel any pressure being the team leader as a freshman?

A: I feel a little bit of pressure because they expect me to win, but it is a team and I don't want it to be all about myself.

Q: What's the transition from junior high to high school been like?

A: I'm with an older crowd now. It's a lot different. There's a lot more opportunities in high school that weren't there before, like playing on the tennis team, for example. They have more classes you can take and they're all very different.

Q: What is your favorite class?

A: I like Spanish. It has been easy to learn. I like the fact that I'm learning a different culture. I enjoy the class setting and the loose nature of it.

Q: What is your main goal in tennis? How far would you like to go with it?

A: My main goal is to get a scholarship and go to college and I'll see from there. I know I want to stay in California, close to my family and not far away.

Lacey Smyth

School: San Marcos High

Sport: Tennis

Age: 14

GPA: 3.67

Favorite class: Spanish

College interests: Anywhere in California, preferably Southern California.

Athletic Accomplishments: Won the title in the 14s division in the Southern California Tennis Association Junior Sectionals tournament in June at Los Caballeros in Fountain Valley; hasn't lost a single game in league play; undefeated in high school competition this season; named 2005 San Diego Player of the Year by the Barnes Tennis Center for the 14s division; ranked No. 14 by the United States Tennis Association in 14s.

Quick Hits

"Survivor" or "Big Brother": "Survivor"

Serena Williams or Venus Williams: Venus

Skittles or M&Ms: M&Ms

Rock or Hip-Hop: Hip-Hop

In your iPod: "It Ends Tonight" by All-American Rejects and "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor