Liza Wildey

Liza Wildey is competitive yet gracious on and off the tennis court.

Liza has played tennis all four years as a member of the Lake Region varsity girls’ squad.

“The improvement in Liza’s game is remarkable. She is one of our most versatile players able to play both the net and back,” Laker Coach Kim Peterson said. “Her ground strokes are fierce and her net play is exciting. Liza is a quiet leader on and off the court. Liza is dedicated to improving her game and leads by example.”

Liza has played with a variety of players at the second doubles position this year, never missing a beat.  Against the defending state champions, Greely, Liza and her doubles partner, Whitney Harriman, captured Lake Region’s lone win in the match, beating a strong Ranger tandem 6-3, 6-2. Liza and Whitney have only lost just one match playing together this season.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Liza is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Wildey File

Name: Liza Wildey

Year in School: Senior

Town: Naples

Parents: Jeff and Maggie Wildey

Sports you play: Tennis and volleyball

School organizations: National Honor Society, Student Council, AFS Club

School honors: Honor Roll, Excellence in French, Excellence in Social Studies, Lions Club Student of the Month

Best piece of advice you have received? My mom often tells me that one has to do the things that scares oneself in order to move forward. I find this to be important to remember when fear begins to prevent you from doing things that could push you forward in life.

Who is your biggest fan? My biggest fan is Coach Peterson, because she always believes in me even when I don’t. She is always supportive and gives pretty good pep talks.

I know I have had a good sports day when…I’ve tried my best despite what the outcome is; winning and losing is irrelevant so long as I know I’ve tried my best.

What is your favorite sport? Tennis is my favorite sport because I always have such a fun time playing.

If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…One thing I would change about myself as an athlete would be to stop allowing past losses or failures to get in the way of the game that is at hand.

What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate? A good teammate is someone who puts effort into each game or match. But I also think that positivity and one’s ability to work with others are also important. I think Whitney Harriman possesses these qualities. This tennis season, I have been able to play alongside Whitney and have come to find her to be not only a great tennis partner, but a pretty awesome person in general. In each match, Whitney puts forth a great amount of effort and always stays positive no matter what the score. Not only this, but she demonstrates a great ability to work with everyone on the team, which is important when playing a doubles match.

What do you believe you bring to your team? I think I often bring laughter and lightheartedness to the court.

What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? A great coach is someone who will help you believe you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to and is someone who is patient and supportive.