By Tyler J. Scott ’12
THE ROUNDUP

The leadership and personality of Alex Ozkan ’11 helps to spark the Brophy

varsity tennis team.

He started playing tennis when he was very young, but he started playing competitively about five or six years ago.

He said he credits his love of tennis to his mother, who also played tennis.

“My mom played tennis and she took me to a lot of tennis tournaments and I figured I’d pick it up,” Ozkan said.

He also said that American tennis player James Blake is his favorite player because of his commitment, but he is unsure of who his game is modeled after.

“I try to model it after all of the top players,” Ozkan said.

Varsity head tennis coach Mr. Bill Woods said the senior has always stood out as a team player.

“He’s a hardworking, talented player,” Mr. Woods said. “He’s always had high character, which made him really easy to like as a freshman. You can tell that some things that bother other players don’t bother Alex and he’s always been one to be willing to put the team before himself.”

Mr. Woods said he is proud of Ozkan’s development as a player.

“I think what I appreciate the most is how hard he’s worked to make himself into a varsity tennis player and he’s really improved over the four years,” Mr. Woods said.

Mr. Woods honored Ozkan’s team player mentality as well.

“I think that he’s one of the best teammates that we have. He’s just unselfish and willing to do anything,” Mr. Woods said.

Tennis player Max Oppedahl ’12 also said Ozkan is a great teammate.

“He is a hard worker and a good guy who will cheer and encourage his teammates while they are playing and he is very level headed,” Oppedahl said.

Teammate Kyle Padden ’12 also praised Ozkan’s character.

“He’s an overall great guy who I learn a lot from,” Padden said.

As far as Ozkan’s tennis career goes, it will probably stop at high school.

“I won’t be playing collegiate tennis besides maybe intramurals, so high school is my last big thing. I got to go out strong,” Ozkan said.

Mr. Woods said Ozkan has meant a lot to him.

“He’s the kind of player that makes it easier and more fun to coach,” Mr. Woods said.

Ozkan said his four years in Brophy tennis have been a great experience.

“Brophy tennis has given me something to do seventh hour and definitely built a brotherhood,” Ozkan said. “I’ve enjoyed it and had fun. It’s been good.”