Rylee Reese
Carl Albert High School
Rylee Reese and doubles partner Lily Bryant (So.) are the current No. 1 doubles tennis team for the Titans. Reese and Bryant have been enjoying the challenge of taking on some of the top teams in Oklahoma. For Reese, her tennis journey started years ago.
“I’ve been playing tennis for seven years now. I started the summer before my 6th grade year, fell in love with it thanks to coach Mays, and have been playing ever since,” said Reese.
Putting in the work to be prepared for a tough schedule is something Reese loves to do. She has never shied away from hard work.
“What I enjoy most about tennis is how much work it requires. I love that it requires me to be fast on my feet, to have hours of endurance, and to be intentional in every move I make. It’s such a fun atmosphere as well. Being outside for over eight hours on the court at tournaments surely wears you out, but there’s no better way to spend a day! It’s the best feeling,” said Reese.
The team features several players who come to tennis from other sports or activities at school.
“What I enjoy most about my teammates is how different we all are. Our girls team this year is predominately underclassmen and they bring a whole new element of fun and energy to our team. We have swimmers on our team, volleyball players, theater performers, choir students, a softball player, and more. It’s always so fun to come together and have fun playing tennis. Our team has never been exclusive which has always brought it so much character. They truly do radiate a simple and amazing joy,” said Reese.
Reese herself is involved in several activities including FFA, Youth for Christ, National Honor Society, Spirit Club, Special Olympics Club, Adaptive P.E. tech and she plays volleyball for the Titans.
This season has offered some unique challenges as Reese continues to improve her game while her teammates are doing the same.
“This season I think my net game has improved the most because I’ve become a lot more confident and aggressive. I’ve learned that if I play confident and like I’ve got nothing to lose I can attack a lot of volleys and win a lot more points. Plus, it’s a whole lot more fun playing confidently. Thanks to my coaches, coach Mosher and coach Farley, I’ve learned how to be a much more aggressive net player,” said Reese.
And who are the teammates everyone should watch?
“This season you should be aware of our singles girls, Georgia Mosher and Bailey Rusche. Georgia has been working her way to the top and has proved herself to be one of the top single players in 5A. I am very confident that Bailey Rusche has the ability to win state this year. She did so well last year and truly excels in two singles. She’s a tough player, hits strong balls, and has the grit necessary to take her to the top! I’m very excited to see them kick butt at State this year,” said Reese.
Over the years, Reese has made some great memories competing and representing Carl Albert High School.
“My favorite memory from competing at Carl Albert has to have been playing my final match sophomore year against Ada in the Finals for 3rd. I was playing with Senior, Mabyn Shuffield, and after the last point of the match I got to hug her in tears of joy and sadness as her tennis season concluded. It was such a sweet moment of my career and made me realize how much I loved playing tennis because of the deep bonds it creates. I learned a lot that season and at the conclusion of my career I know I’ll feel the same way, and that’s a good thing,” said Reese.
Reese is plans for her future which does include college.
“After I graduate, I plan on attending the University of Central Oklahoma in the fall to major in Nutrition in Dietetics to become a Registered Dietician/Therapist specializing in eating disorder recovery,” said Reese.
In her free time, Reese said she enjoys spending time outside.
“I love to go hiking, running, and biking. My favorite thing to do is to hang out with my family. Wherever they are is where I want to be.”
