Senior Statement - Ayden Lehman

Ayden was another who joined up late after running cross country early in high school. Truth be told, he’s still running cross country. But he’s another player who has affected the culture of our tennis team so much, and I am really grateful for him. I think that from the very beginning his hustle and his earnestness struck me. In fact, many of my favorite tennis memories about Ayden are built around that one important aspect of any sport, the one that makes a player a joy to coach and cheer for. Effort!

This year, Ayden had several matches that have impressed me with his effort. In fact, I think watching play tennis this year has been a treat! He had the match against Goshen where he lost a first mini-set 4-0, but then came back and pushed the match to a third set. Then in a second match on that hot afternoon against Goshen, this time in doubles with Sam, they came back to force a third set and this time they won it. He had the match against Oak Farm where he played varsity #2S and his opponent kept trying to drop shot and slice him, but didn’t know Ayden was all about the hustle. He’s had multiple tiebreaks and matches where the light is running out, because he just keeps playing hard and doesn’t give up.

And Ayden doesn’t stop trying to learn either. He is constantly full of great questions and seeking advice. Last year I gave him the “Student of the Game” award because he was constantly trying to improve, including reading a great book about the mental side of tennis that I had recommended to the team. Only 2 players took me up on the recommendation, and Ayden continued his gritty growth in that book. He’s a great example for the team with that work ethic and knowledge gathering for the team as well. So here’s a verse I picked out to represent and be a blessing for Ayden...

Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ...

Ayden is a player of hustle and grit, but that usually is because of love. We hustle when we love what we’re hustling for - our friends, a chance to hit a tennis ball, our God. I pray that as Ayden shows effort for all these things, that his love will grow with knowledge and depth, and that he will continue to be a leader in showing the way that is right. Thanks Ayden!