Despite holding the title of No. 1 tennis player in Oklahoma’s 2026 class, Westmoore freshman Trenton Kanchanakomtorn suffered multiple setbacks before his promising varsity career ever started.
At 12 years old, Kanchanakomtorn was the No. 1 player in the nation in his age group. While playing in a tournament in November 2021, he started to feel soreness in his elbow. He ignored it, but the pain multiplied over the next few months.
“Eventually,” said Kanchanakomtorn, 14, “I decided to see a doctor in June ‘22, and after running some tests, I was diagnosed with a fracture in my elbow. I had to wear a soft cast and undergo daily ultrasound bone healing system treatment and physical therapy twice a week.”
Finally, Kanchanakomtorn was released to hit the court – only to run into another wall last October.
“I had another fracture in my toe during practice, which put me back in a soft cast for another three months,” Kanchanakomtorn said. “The recovery process was challenging, and even now, my elbow still hurts, making it difficult to practice and play at my best.”
Kanchanakomtorn’s recovery has been a “slow and painful” process, but patience and self-motivation have allowed him to persevere.
“Trenton is one of the best players for his age in the southwest,” Westmoore head coach Randy Painton said. “He is recovering from an injury but will be very competitive at the state tournament.”
“Overcoming injury has taught me several valuable lessons,” Kanchanakomtorn said. “Firstly, it showed me the importance of taking care of my body and listening to it when it needs rest. I also learned that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you deal with them that matters.”
The example of Kanchanakomtorn’s brother, Randon, has been invaluable in his journey towards tennis stardom. Randon graduated from Westmoore last year, himself a successful player who made The Oklahoman All-City first team and finished fifth in 6A No. 1 singles. He is now pursuing pre-medical studies at the University of Oklahoma.
“Not only is [Randon] a great hitting partner, but he is also a patient teacher who has always been willing to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with me in math, piano and tennis,” Trenton said. “Watching him play has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me, and I have learned so much from his hard work, dedication and refusal to give up.”
Now the 86th-ranked player in the nation within his class, Kanchanakomtorn has ground to gain, but for now, his top goal is leading the Jaguars in No. 1 singles.
“It’s an honor and a huge responsibility to carry the team’s expectations on my shoulders. Despite my injury setback last year, I’m committed to putting in the work and doing my best on the court,” Kanchanakomtorn said. “I’m fortunate to have my brother, who played as the No. 1 singles for the school last year, helping me get ready for the regional and state tournaments. His experience and guidance are crucial, and I’m grateful for his support.”
Eventually, Kanchanakomtorn hopes to regain his position in the national top five. After graduation – and, if all goes right, a decorated career at Westmoore – Kanchanakomtorn hopes to play for the Sooners.
“This is a dream I have had since I was 9 years old,” Kanchanakomtorn said. “I have always had a great deal of respect for the coach and the entire team, and I feel that their style of play aligns well with my own. While I know that this is a lofty aspiration, I’m willing to put in the work and dedication required to achieve my dreams.”