Altus senior Kendall Dodson has built her tennis career on more than a strong serve and consistent groundstrokes. She has built it on faith, family and a quiet toughness that has carried her from a freshman breakthrough to a leadership role on the Altus High School girls tennis team.

Dodson, a senior this year, said her biggest inspiration has always been close to home. “My dad inspires me,” she said. “He has gone through some really difficult times and he continues to show up for my brother and I every day. He never misses any tournaments no matter how far away!” That steady support has helped her handle the demands of a long season and the pressure that comes with competing at a high level.

On the court, Dodson said one of the most challenging parts of tennis is something casual fans might overlook, calling balls in or out. “Calling outs in matches can be such a stressful thing,” she said. “The ball is moving so fast that you and your opponent can only do your best to call it fair and trust each other to be honest.” Learning to balance competitiveness with fairness has been a key part of her growth.

Her favorite memory came early in her career, when all the hours of practice finally paid off. “My favorite memory from a game was my freshman year after finishing regionals and getting to feel all of the hard work pay off and realizing I got to play at state,” Dodson said. That moment helped set the standard for the rest of her high school years.

Dodson said one of the best parts of tennis has been the relationships she has formed along the way. “I enjoy being a part of a team and creating a small family within my sport,” she said. “That family becomes people that you can lean on and create some of the best memories with!” Whether it is a tough practice or a long day at a tournament, she said her teammates keep the sport fun.

Before matches, Dodson focuses on getting into the right mindset. She said she likes to listen to music, pray and relax with her teammates to stay calm and confident. The sport, she added, has taught her lessons that go far beyond the court. “Athletics have taught me many life lessons,” Dodson said. “It has helped me build mental toughness and learn how to perform through anxiety. It has also taught me how to be self disciplined and push myself.”

In the classroom, biology has become her favorite subject, and she said studying how the body works has deepened her appreciation for how “God is so detail oriented” in creation. Whether in school or on the tennis court, Dodson said she hopes to carry those lessons of discipline, faith and perseverance into whatever comes next after Altus.