Maple Moody
Maple Moody is not your average 9-year old. While he does most activities like a typical kid his age, such as playing multiple sports, watching pro sports, collecting trading cards, reading and creating art, his demeanor and attitude are light years ahead of his peers.
When asked what he loves about tennis, Maple answered, “I like to play tennis because I am on my own. It is up to me and I have no one to support me on the court while playing. I enjoy using strategies to run and tire my opponent. I like both the mental and physical aspects of tennis.”
Statements like these are not common for most 9-year olds (or adults for that matter) and it tells the story of why Maple has developed into a dynamite baseball and tennis player. Maple is a fifth-year Little League player and last year was called up mid-season to the Coast division winning the team's MVP at the end of the playoffs. Having a solid baseball background helped Maple quickly become a strong tennis player and he found the similarities in the swings very helpful.
Maple's love for tennis started just three short years ago when the family was passing by some local tennis courts and he exclaimed, “... I want to play that game!” There aren't many kids that become passionate about something they know nothing about and then commit to it like Maple has.
Maple began playing tournaments at the age of 7 yrs, 2 months, playing in the Boys’ Rookie 10s division. Maple won just 1 of his first 10 matches in tournament play. With a great attitude, much practice and technical development at the RTC, Maple has won 8 out of his last 13 matches, including the Boys’ 10 Rookie championship (in a draw of 9 competitors) at a recent tournament in November 2011. Maple will compete in two more tournaments in 2011, including two challenger divisions (Boys’ 10 and Boys’ 12) at the Spokane Winter Junior Classic (as of press time, Maple won both draws!).
When asked how the RTC has helped his tennis game, Maple said, “I love to play tennis at the RTC! The coaches are great and explain things well! They are patient, kind and demonstrate the skills they are teaching. I can tell they care about me as a player and as a person. I really like Coach Jesse’s energy and positive attitude. He has taught me how to focus and concentrate. It is very fun to work with Jesse but he works me very hard!”
Coach Jesse Schouten had this to say about the young talent:
“Maple Moody is a coach's dream. Maple's enthusiasm, attitude and work ethic are terrific. At nine years old Maple has the obvious and rare ability to inspire everyone who is around him, including our coaching staff and his teammates. Maple comes from a wonderful family that is committed to helping Maple flourish on and off the court. Maple's parents prioritize attitude, work ethic, and learning along with fun ahead of anything else. They support Maple fully and communicate frequently with me to understand and reinforce the lessons I'm teaching Maple. Maple is a rising star, and he has the potential to become a top NCAA player or even a professional touring player. At this point, Maple is taking a slow and steady approach and is a well-rounded person. He's a terrific student, brother, son, and citizen. I'm thrilled to be able to work with Maple and I feel privileged every time I step out on the court with him.”
Congratulations Maple!! You are the RTC Profiled Player for Winter 2012!!
Maple Moody
By jt |
Monday, January 02, 2012
Maple Moody is not your average 9-year old. While he does most activities like a typical kid his age, such as playing multiple sports, watching pro sports, collecting trading cards, reading and creating art, his demeanor and attitude are light years ahead of his peers.
When asked what he loves about tennis, Maple answered, “I like to play tennis because I am on my own. It is up to me and I have no one to support me on the court while playing. I enjoy using strategies to run and tire my opponent. I like both the mental and physical aspects of tennis.”
Statements like these are not common for most 9-year olds (or adults for that matter) and it tells the story of why Maple has developed into a dynamite baseball and tennis player. Maple is a fifth-year Little League player and last year was called up mid-season to the Coast division winning the team's MVP at the end of the playoffs. Having a solid baseball background helped Maple quickly become a strong tennis player and he found the similarities in the swings very helpful.
Maple's love for tennis started just three short years ago when the family was passing by some local tennis courts and he exclaimed, “... I want to play that game!” There aren't many kids that become passionate about something they know nothing about and then commit to it like Maple has.
Maple began playing tournaments at the age of 7 yrs, 2 months, playing in the Boys’ Rookie 10s division. Maple won just 1 of his first 10 matches in tournament play. With a great attitude, much practice and technical development at the RTC, Maple has won 8 out of his last 13 matches, including the Boys’ 10 Rookie championship (in a draw of 9 competitors) at a recent tournament in November 2011. Maple will compete in two more tournaments in 2011, including two challenger divisions (Boys’ 10 and Boys’ 12) at the Spokane Winter Junior Classic (as of press time, Maple won both draws!).
When asked how the RTC has helped his tennis game, Maple said, “I love to play tennis at the RTC! The coaches are great and explain things well! They are patient, kind and demonstrate the skills they are teaching. I can tell they care about me as a player and as a person. I really like Coach Jesse’s energy and positive attitude. He has taught me how to focus and concentrate. It is very fun to work with Jesse but he works me very hard!”
Coach Jesse Schouten had this to say about the young talent:
“Maple Moody is a coach's dream. Maple's enthusiasm, attitude and work ethic are terrific. At nine years old Maple has the obvious and rare ability to inspire everyone who is around him, including our coaching staff and his teammates. Maple comes from a wonderful family that is committed to helping Maple flourish on and off the court. Maple's parents prioritize attitude, work ethic, and learning along with fun ahead of anything else. They support Maple fully and communicate frequently with me to understand and reinforce the lessons I'm teaching Maple. Maple is a rising star, and he has the potential to become a top NCAA player or even a professional touring player. At this point, Maple is taking a slow and steady approach and is a well-rounded person. He's a terrific student, brother, son, and citizen. I'm thrilled to be able to work with Maple and I feel privileged every time I step out on the court with him.”
Congratulations Maple!! You are the RTC Profiled Player for Winter 2012!!