Alexander's Alfredo Ramirez knows that with each passing day, his time suiting up for the Blue & Gold is nearing an end. Ramirez started playing tennis in second grade after watching his older sister Gabriela on the court.
“Honestly, I just try to have fun even though this is my last year of playing for Alexander,” Ramirez said. “I feel like the last three years have been so serious because we try to win and win. Don’t get me wrong, we are always striving to win, but I feel like we are enjoying it more because we know this is the last time we are going to play Del Rio in team tennis at home or play United South on the road.”
He was intrigued by the game and has never put his tennis racket down. Ramirez was poised to play for United Middle School, but COVID-19 hit his seventh grade year, and the season was canceled. The following year, no middle school sports were played, so Ramirez never had the opportunity to suit up for the Mavericks.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ramirez is an integral part of the Alexander tennis team that has dominated the team tennis season. For the past two years, Alexander has won the District 30-6A team tennis titles, and it is gunning for its third consecutive title.
“We are looking to three-peat, but we are just taking it one game at a time,” Ramirez said. “This district is tough, and you have to come out here and play with heart. Tennis is an amazing sport, and I cherish every moment that I am out there on the court.”
Last year, Ramirez played mixed doubles with Alizee Huben, and they dominated the district, not dropping a single district game in team tennis or spring tennis. This season, Ramirez is playing boys’ doubles with Kai Nan and has helped Alexander to a 2-0 record in District 30-6A play.
“This season, I am playing boys’ doubles,” Ramirez said. “It is really different, but I think that it is fun. The level is more intense, and it gets me thinking in a different way on the court.”
Ramirez and Nan are 1-1 in district play after dropping their first district game on Friday, and they are looking to bounce back on Wednesday when Alexander heads to Medina Valley, the rookie of the district.
Playing boys’ doubles is a great way to warm up for singles matches, and Ramirez takes full advantage of the situation. By the time he retakes the court for singles, his mind and body are ready for the fast pace he is about to face.
“The doubles prepare me for singles, and I think that it is a good way to warm up and have fun because you have a partner and get to talk,” Ramirez said. “Overall, playing doubles helps you."
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