Every now and then there are athletes who make a name for themselves in their sport while breaking records and making history. For V.R. Eaton Eagles tennis, senior Caleb Pritchett has become the first in program history to reach the 100th career victory mark. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with the Thomas Moore University commit regarding his huge accomplishment!
Following Pritchett's 100th victory, Eaton Tennis coach Dylan Strickland had only positive things to say about the athlete: "Caleb has been nothing but amazing for the Eaton Tennis program," started coach Strickland. "My first two years coaching at Eaton have been made much easier having Caleb around as not only the #1 boys player, but also the team captain. Having someone like Caleb is essential to a successful program and I know this program will continue to see success with the framework he has laid over the past four years."
Talented on the court and the ability to show great leadership, Pritchett has been flying high for the Eagles' program. With his 100th career victory, he has made history for Eaton. VYPE DFW was able to talk to Pritchett about his time with Eaton so far:
You've been making quite the impact for V.R. Eaton Tennis- recently securing your 100th win (the first in program history). How does it feel creating this sort of legacy?
"Finally reaching 100 varsity wins has been very special to me. I am very proud to be the first in our school's history to reach this milestone, but I hope that I am not the last. I hope that my actions over the past four years have set a new standard within Eaton Tennis. I am so excited for the future of this team and I am so incredible thankful for my time within the program."
What has been your favorite memory with Eaton Tennis so far?
"My favorite memory with Eaton Tennis so far was definitely senior night. The amount of effort put in by all of the parents, the coaches, and the booster club made the night truly special. Also, getting to play in front of many of my friends and family for the first time was something I will never forget."
You're committed to Thomas Moore University, what made you choose their program?
"I chose TMU for so many reasons. The campus was beautiful, the surrounding area had everything I was looking for, and the tennis facility was by far the nicest of any school that was interested in me. But the main reason I chose TMU was because of the people. The way that everyone spoke about the university, about the different programs, and the things to be involved in. I felt very much at home. Also, being an athlete, one of the most important things that I looked for was the quality of the relationships between coaches and players. After hearing how highly everyone speaks of the coaches and seeing the amount of effort that is put into the program, I felt that TMU would give me the best opportunity to continue to achieve both on and off the court."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your success?
"Mentality is everything. Having a strong mental game is just as important as a strong physical game, if not more. You have to understand that development is a process and changes won't happen over night. Talent will only take you so far, it is consistency, both in your actions and your mindset, that creates results. You have to show up every day with the same attitude and willingness to do what it takes to better yourself and know that results won't come easy. You also have to realize that some things are out of your control and things may not always go your way. Those things are not worth your time or effort. Focusing on the things in your life that you have control over will translate into success. At the end of the day, you have to celebrate your wins and learn from your losses knowing God has a plan for you, things will always work out in the end, and all that you can ask of yourself is for your best effort."
What are your goals for the rest of this season?
"I still feel like I have a lot left to accomplish this year. Winning more matches, tournaments, and ultimately placing in district and beyond are certainly things I would like to happen. But no matter how these next few months go, I think that I will be able to walk away from Eaton Tennis feeling content with all that I have accomplished and ultimately grateful for the experiences and relationships that I have developed over these past four years."
Do you have a routine that you try to stick to on match day?
"In order to be successful on match days, preparation typically starts the day before. The day before, I try to be mindful of how much water I am drinking, what I am eating, and what time I am going to bed. The morning of, I try to get to the courts at least an hour before the team meets so that I can stretch, warm up, and get used to the weather. Once I get through my morning routine and the team meets, my only focus is having fun."
When did you first start playing tennis? Who got you into the sport?
"I first started playing in 7th grade. Tennis has always been a part of my family. Both of my parents were professional coaches: my grandpa played on a semi-pro level, my grandma played at the University of Arizona, and my mom- as well as her two brothers- played on varsity at Keller High School. All of that being said, I would most definitely attribute my grandpa with being the one that got me into the sport."
Who do you look up to and why?
"There are so many people in my life that have made such positive impacts that it is very difficult to talk about just one. My mom has been there for me through everything; she has sacrificed so much for my success. Whether it be paying for new shoes, rackets, entry fees, or giving up countless weekends to travel and watch me play, my mom has always made sure that I have what I need to succeed. She is my biggest supporter and I love the love that she continuously shows everyone in her life. My coach is another person that I very much look up to. He is someone that I, among many others, look to for help in just about any situation. The way that he lives by example makes him such a great coach and an even better role model."
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
"My biggest accomplishment so far has been not only getting into my top choice for college athletics, but also being offered a spot on the team and receiving both academic and athletic scholarships from the university."
With an incredible mind for the game, a dedication to doing well, and a focus on going far, you can expect to see Pritchett continue to do great things throughout his senior season and beyond. Be sure you catch him in action on the court before the season is over!
