By Derrick Smith

Throughout an athlete’s career, they can have people that make a big impact on their life. They can have an influence on their athletic life and their personal life. Mia Jennings, who competes in tennis and in pom for Shawnee High School, has had a couple of people that were big parts in her becoming the athlete and person she is today.

“In dance my teacher, Emily Nickerson, has shown me how to be a leader,” she said. “Then in tennis, my grandfather influenced me to keep going and to never give up. Both of them are a big reason for who I am today. Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to have consistent instructors in both sports that tell me what I can fix. I’ve also been able to build strong relationships with my teammates that I cherish.”

As a junior, Jennings says that her motivation to work hard at her sports comes from two different places, but both are key to her success.

“The first thing is that I enjoy competing,” she said. “Whether it is in pom or tennis, I love going up against another athlete in the same sport because not only can I see where I am, it can also help me become a better athlete. Another part about competing that I like is that I get to see the self-improvement that I make.”

The competition is the part of sports that she enjoys the most and Mia has a few things that have stood out during her career so far. 

“I have made a lot of great memories playing sports,” she said. “But I would have to say that my favorite memory would be coming back from being down 1-5 to 7-5. It took a lot of work, but it felt great. My favorite opponent to play would have to be Durant mainly because they switch their players, so each match is different.”

While working in the weight room and on the practice court have been important to her success, Jennings has two other things that have been vital. 

“Both of my sports have required consistency and patience,” she stated. “Those two things have been very important to me becoming the athlete that I am today.”