By Derrick Smith

**** PHOTO CREDIT TO KELLY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY*****

Tennis has been a part of Mackenzie Caddell’s life since she was seven years old. Over the years since she first picked up a tennis racket, she has seen a lot of progress and improvement in her game. She attributes the growth to her focusing on what it takes to be the best. 

“The game of tennis requires so much in order to be successful,” she said. “Mental strength is extremely important. I have been working hard to improve this throughout the season. It is also very important to work hard everyday and stay consistent no matter how difficult it might seem.”

Caddell is a sophomore at Norman North High School, where she is a member of the tennis team. Outside of tennis, she plays the flute in the school’s marching band and wind ensemble. I’m also a member of the First Presbyterian Church Youth Choir and Youth Instrumental Ensemble.”

She has had numerous people make an impact on her life, but Mackenzie says that there are a few that have made a bigger impression. 

“One of the bigger role models in my life has been Clancy Tresmer, our tennis assistant coach,” she said. “She is always able to stay positive and her joyful energy is so wonderful to be around. Also Sydney Hays and evin Hughes, who have been leaders in the school marching band. Their incomparable kindness and leadership skills are things that I hope to embody someday.”

Caddell has a tough time picking a highlight moment of her career, but says that she is excited to get this season underway and is ready to prove herself. “My tennis career has been full of highs and lows,” she said. “There really is not a single moment that stands out above the rest.”

As a student in the classroom, Mackenzie has been taught by many different teachers. But she says that there is one that has had a big influence on her life. 

“My favorite teacher was my eighth grade United States history teacher Mrs. Cox,” she said. “She taught at Whittier Middle School. Throughout the year, she taught us to love history and always treated us as equals. She taught me how interesting history can be as well as how to have an educated argument/discussion.”