Name: Micael Mirza
Born: Nov. 18, 1986
Lockhart, TX
Racket: Babolat Pure Drive
Plays: Right Handed
Honors: 2001-2002 Freshman Player of the Year, 3rd place district 2002, Academic All-District
FEATURED ATHLETE
Pflugerville High School - Jan. 2005
Name: Lauren Marshall
Born: August, 18, 1987
Austin, TX
Racket: Head Liquid Metal Radical
Plays: Right Handed
Honors: Most Improved Player, 2002-2003 & 2003-2004, Academic All-District, Honorable Mention All-District Doubles, Team Ping Pong Champ.
A Conversation with....
Lauren Marshall
When did you start playing tennis? I started playing tennis after I failed to make the basketball team my Freshman year. (Tennis is WAY better anyway!)
Who has been you biggest tennis influence? Why? My dad, because he will get out and play tennis with me even though his knees and feet and actually his entire body aches. He understands the concept that tennis is like 95% mental, and I'm grateful for his help.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why? I love my Calculus class. Mrs. Ross is probably the best teacher I've ever had and she makes learning so much fun!
Who is your favorite teacher and why? Oops...I already answered. Mrs. Ross is definitely my favorite. She has a really funny personality and is always making jokes to make class fun.
What are your plans after high school? Go to A&M (Gig 'em!)
I used to want to major in business Admin. or Journalism, but now I want to be an occupational therapist... So I'll take my prerequisite courses there.
What do you do away from tennis? I spend most of my free time taking naps or hanging out with my friends and family.
Do you have a favorite role model? Yes. In real life my role model is my mom because she is awesome! And she's also one of my best friends. And my role model that is not in my real life is Natalie Portman because she is an incredible actress and she graduated from Harvard with honors!
Why would someone want to play tennis at PHS? I have no idea, just kidding! What I noticed as I made the transition from basketball to tennis is that the tennis team is really acceptable of everyone. You could be the worse tennis player ever and the team would treat you like your normal and not make fun of you. Also, we have really cute uniforms.
What advice do you have for an up-and-coming player? First, make time to play tennis over the weekends and over the holidays because I didn't and it's really hard to pick up where you left off. Also, never settle for average. In tennis, more so than in other sports, there is always room for improvement. Even Roger Federer and Andy Roddick have room to improve their game.
FEATURED ATHLETE
Pflugerville High School: Jan. 2005
Name: Sam Travis
Born: April 13, 1987
Austin, TX
Racket: Prince TT Scream
Plays: Right Handed
Honors: 2001-2002 Fighting Heart Award, 2002-2003 Player of the Year
A conversation with ....
Sam Travis
When did you start playing tennis?
My Freshman year, 2001 - 2002.
Who has been your biggest tennis influence? Why?
James Blake because he overcame stomach problems to become great and he influences me to overcome my stomach problems.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
It was American History because I had Mr. Varian and I'm a big history buff.
Who is your favorite teacher and why?
Mr. Varian; he's a big supporter of tennis and we have the same interest in history.
What are your plans after high school?
I plan to attend Texas State University and study criminal justice.
What do you do away from tennis?
Work, church, work some more.
Do you have a favorite role model?
My dad because he turned his whole life around to become a well respected man.
Why would someone want to play tennis at PHS?
The friendships are strong and you meet new people from other school and you get to miss school for all day tournaments.
What advice do you have for an up-and-coming player?
The only enemy of great is good. If you think that you're good, then you will stop striving to become great. Stick with it and don't stop working.
