James Wood High School 17-year-old junior
Sport: Tennis. Positions: No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles
Parents: Meggan and Bryan Baxter
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about tennis?: I really enjoy the friendships; you get to talk to your friends a lot and socialize and connect with so many people. Even if it’s your opponent, you get to connect with so many people, and it’s amazing to build friendships. I’ve built a lot of friendships with opponents from other schools as well, which is really nice.
Most memorable moment in tennis: I would say it was playing doubles with my number two doubles partner [Macie Hewitt]. We just always connected, and winning our first match together was really a highlight in my season this year.
Most embarrassing moment in tennis: I hit my own head with the racket. I was just running and was going for the ball. I went to go hit [the ball] behind me and hit my head.
Most difficult moment in tennis: It would be keeping my head high during matches. Sometimes there would be flaws in the way I played, but it’s always better to look [at things] more positively than negatively.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Jennifer Lawrence. They’re all so funny and have bubbly personalities; it would be amazing [to speak with them].
Biggest athletic influence: All over my social media this season, I’ve been like seeing a lot of [professional tennis player] Ben Shelton; he’s a really strong athlete and really strong player. From what I’ve watched, he’s really talented and impressive.
Favorite teacher: Mr. [Morgan] Saeler [at Frederick County Middle School]. At the time, he taught history. He’s just an amazing teacher. He was always like connecting with students; he would always have a smile on his face. He always was bringing a positive attitude instead of anything negative. He was a happy guy.
Favorite athlete: [Professional tennis player] Coco Gauff
Favorite team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite movie: “Avatar”
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
Favorite music artist: Tame Impala
Favorite food: Caesar salad
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Oysters
Plans after high school: I want to go into aviation, so I’m going to go to Averett. I want to learn how to be a pilot and get a pilot license. I didn’t really want something that I wasn’t gonna enjoy. You only live once, so I would rather go in the sky and see [things] from there than sit at a desk.
— Compiled by Joe Tuman