What has grown is his intention. What has grown is his belief. In the past, he could be known to just have fun and not compete his hardest when matches were tough. But last year, I saw him developing endurance and perseverance in his JV matches. This year on varsity, it’s become he and Austin’s calling card. You can’t ever count them out.
Starting at the first varsity tournament of the season, when they were down 1-5 and forced the set to be extended to 7-5 before winning the second set easily, Aaron has shown the ability to keep his joy and belief even when times are difficult. He and Austin have come back and won third sets in many matches this year, or roared back to force tiebreaks after being down in the set. There’s also such a pure joy that Aaron displays when he is playing well, a joy that I remember all the way back to his freshman year when he would play with Kameron Branum.
It is a special gift to be able to believe you can turn it around and enjoy the process of doing it. So many people would rather sulk, but Aaron continues to enjoy each good shot. And when it all comes together, he is a powerful tennis player. And when he pours that joy out, in laughter or in exuberance, it lights up our whole team. When his joy is directed toward his teammates, and what they are doing... well, that’s when the best things start happening. He makes others believe in themselves as well.
That’s what I am excited about for Aaron as a person as well. He is creative and joyful in the world, and when he is focused on a project and believes in it, he brings such joy, energy and beauty into the world. I can’t wait to see his continued impact!
Verse: John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
