OVERTIME WITH CASSIE CERVANTES
BY BRADLEY LINAM | PHOTO BY MARK STRICKLAND PHOTOS
The Bentonville West Girls Tennis Team captured its second 6A State Championship in three years in October of 2021.
Tennis star Cassie Cervantes, from the 2023 class, has been a huge part of the Lady Wolverines success.
We recently had the opportunity to talk with Cassie about her tennis career and other interests.
Q&A:
How old were you when you started playing tennis?
I was three years old when I started playing tennis.
When you’re not playing tennis, what are some things you enjoy doing?
When I am not playing tennis, I like to run, walk my dog, paint and draw occasionally, and I really like watching movies.
Do you have any special training techniques?
All my training is based on what I need to work on specifically on the court. My fitness coach tells me what I need to do in order to improve in those aspects.
What are your plans with tennis beyond high school?
I plan to graduate high school and play Division 1 tennis and try to reach my max potential as a person and tennis player.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
I look up to quite a few people, but I think the people that have had a huge impact on me and my game are my dad (Manuel Cervantes),who is my coach, Simon Robinson, Jackie Carr, and my high school tennis coach (Jeremiah Sullivan).
What does your daily routine look like?
I usually wake up at 6 a.m. and attend school from 7:15 a.m.-2:20 p.m. Three days a week I go to track practice. So on the days I have track, I am there until around 4:30 p.m. Afterwards I go to tennis practice, usually in the evenings. If I don’t go to track, I play tennis earlier in the afternoon.
What’s the best advice you have gained from your coaches?
The best advice I have gotten from coaches is to focus on what is coming next. Run down every ball, have fun and enjoy it. And of course, to always believe in myself and keep a positive mindset no matter what.
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
Players like Rafa Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, Paula Badosa, Simona Halep, and of course all my coaches have inspired me so much.
What are your strengths as both an athlete and a person?
My strengths are my work ethic, my determination. I always try my best no matter what, and I try my best to stay positive and keep fighting to reach my goals.
What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
I listen to all types of music, but mainly just the popular hits, and I like to listen to calm or instrumental music when I am studying.
What is your favorite food?
I think that my favorite food would definitely be pasta. I love Italian food, and if I could eat it every day, I probably would!