Senior Statement - Malachi Yoder

Malachi has been with the tennis team since his ninth grade year, but came into his varsity doubles position near the end of his tenth grade season. This year, he has already equalled the number of wins that he had last season. So he continues to be a player who is improving his skills. But alongside that, he is also someone of grit and determination, committed to the idea of figuring things out.

My favorite tennis moments for Malachi are mostly recent ones. Although his very first varsity match was an epic three setter, he has increased the frequency of those types of matches lately. Again, with Ethan, he has had two amazing comebacks in the last couple days of matches. In one they came back from losing a first set 6-1, then in the next from losing a first set 6-0. It can’t get worse than that. And yet, Malachi figures it out. He begins to lob more, goes safer on the return, or more aggressive at the net. Last season, I remember he and Isaya figuring it out against Canterbury in our first ever conference match, getting better as the match went on. Just like he continues to get better as our season goes on. Just like he gets better as his career goes on.

Yep, Malachi is a figure it out type of person. He gets out here on the weekend to hit balls and figure out his forehand or serve. He takes grit and determination and toughness to a whole new level. This summer at camp, he ran full speed into the prongs of a fence gate, and took the blow right in the ribs. We thought we might have to take him to the Urgent Care. But he said he was fine, even though he could barely talk. He slowly began to feel better, and by the evening he was wanting to throw his body around as the goalie in our annual Speedball game. Give him time and he’ll be ready to go. That made me think of this verse for Malachi...

James 1:4-5
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Malachi, my hope for you is that this same combination of perseverance and wisdom continues to shape you wherever life takes you. There will be plenty of first sets you lose 6-0, moments when you don't know what to do next, and fences you run into at full speed. But I pray that you keep doing what you've done here: don't quit, don't be afraid to adjust, and keep asking God for the wisdom to figure it out.. Keep learning, keep fighting, keep trusting, and keep getting back out there. As we’ve said before, that faithfulness, that getting back out there, it’s worth celebrating. So thanks!