Bartlesville’s Julia McKissick

With the season well underway, players like Julia McKissick are hitting their stride and performing at a high level.

There are many challenges student-athletes face and finding a good balance between athletics and schoolwork is a top priority.

“I would say the biggest challenge for a tennis player in high school is balancing school and practice,” McKissick said. “My coaches, teammates, and facilities have made BHS a great place to be a student-athlete.”

This season McKissick has continued to work on her game and prepare for the state tournament.

“My biggest strength is probably consistency. The biggest thing I’ve improved on for this season is my volleys to get ready for doubles,” McKissick said. “I’m looking forward to state this year and I’m excited to just enjoy my last season with my teammates.”
 
 McKissick said her teammates are great to compete with and the support for each other is unmatched.

“My teammate Abby Shelley has impressed me this year. She is our No. 1 singles and is having a great season so far,” McKissick said. “Everyone on the team has their serious moments while competing but all of them are also extremely funny which makes tournament days super fun.”
 

For McKissick, inspiration can come in many forms including a family member who she looks up to and appreciates.

“I’m inspired by many of my family and friends, but my sister is a big inspiration to me. She always reminds me that anything is achievable,” McKissick said. “I was really proud of me and my doubles partner Bella Gustafson last year at state. While we didn’t get the result we hoped for, I was proud of how we played!”

When her playing days at BHS come to an end, McKissick plans to attend college. “After high school I’m attending the University of Oklahoma. I’m still deciding what I’m going to major in,” said McKissick.