We caught up with Maddie to find out more about this important member of the Bartlesville tennis team.
Maddie Shelley has enjoyed being part of the Bartlesville varsity tennis team and is now in her fourth and final year. Head coach Bryan Reese said of Shelley, “Maddie got third place as a freshman playing No. 1 singles. Her sophomore year she was 8-1 before COVID-19 with her only loss coming in three sets. Last year she was undefeated before injury forced her out of the season. She is extremely hard working and despite losing two seasons of her career has remained positive and supportive. She will be playing tennis at Washburn next year.”
VYPE: Maddie, what do you love most about your team and teammates at Bartlesville?
Shelley: My favorite part about my team is the love and constant support they show me each day. I think being in an individual sport can be tough to be out on the court alone, but my teammates are always on the courtside next to me cheering me on.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite teacher?
Shelley: My favorite teacher I’ve had is Mr. Brian Jenner for history and financial literacy. Although, this is not my favorite subject he is a teacher of patience and has dedicated his time to teaching students how to grow as confident young adults.
VYPE: What is the first thing you plan to do after you graduate?
Shelley: After I graduate, I plan to attend and play tennis for Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. I plan to major in nursing and later apply to PA school.
VYPE: What is your favorite memory while in high school?
Shelley: My favorite high school memory was cheering on my teammates at the state tennis tournament in May of 2021. It was a very humbling experience for me, as I was out with an injury. For their grit and motivation to push through the season, was so admirable.
VYPE: Everyone defines success differently, how does the Class of 2022 define success?
Shelley: The class of 2022 defines success as achievement in the classroom and outside the classroom through everyday life. The ability to impact others’ lives gives purpose to my life. The hard work and work ethic I and many others have put into high school sports has strengthened our characters as a class which shows maturity as athletes and students. VYPE: Who has been a big influence in your life?
Shelley: My parents have been such an important factor in my tennis career and have pushed me to become a student-athlete at the next level. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system! It took a team of people to help me become a successful person. I thank the BHS staff and my coaches, especially Pat and Linda Ritchie for helping me learn the importance of hard work. I believe hard work open doors for success, as it has opened a big one in my tennis career to play at the collegiate level.
