By Ken Hansard

Carthage High School student-athlete and tennis player Claire Giett spoke to VYPE Sports in a recent interview.

VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?

Giett:  My personal goal for this year is to become more consistent on the court. I occasionally get inside my own head, and it takes its toll on my ability to show my skills that I have worked hard to learn and maintain.

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

Giett:  My favorite athletic memory is when I was the consolation bracket winner at the Monett Tournament during my Junior year. We had to wait several hours for me to play my last match before rushing back to our community homecoming parade. After taking the court, I won the match in 15 minutes, and we made it just in time for the parade!

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Giett:  Kailie Laymen has left the biggest impression on me due to her constant help and encouragement. She works extremely hard every day in both academics and athletics.  Through these things, she inspires me and others on our team to keep fighting to improve consistently.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

Giett:  My favorite part of being on the CHS tennis team is being able to compete against other players from surrounding schools with whom I also participate in other activities. For example, I have played against young women who I compete against during show choir in the spring.

VYPE: What clubs or campus groups are you involved with and why?

Giett:  I am involved in theatre, show choir, National Honors Society, and I play violin outside of school. Theatre gives you a chance to play pretend, to become someone you admire or even dislike, and, through acting, to put yourself in the shoes of others. Show choir is exactly like a family.  We spend most of our high school experience rehearsing and just existing around each other. We even fight like siblings, but we win and lose together, and that is truly special. Becoming a member of the National Honors Society was a proud moment for me and for my family; gaining membership shows my dedication to studies, but also a dedication to community through service and honesty. I began playing violin when I was six years old.  It has taught me both patience and endurance through difficult tasks, and it has taught me just how much music influences everyone.

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?

Giett:  Tennis has taught me how powerful your mentality is. Anyone who says tennis is not a mental battle is wrong. You can become your biggest opponent before stepping out on a court just through your thoughts and attitude.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

Giett:  The best piece of advice that anyone has ever given to me is to “fake it till you make it.” It can be a helpful tool in dealing with anxiety or fright.  By pretending you are confident and calm in nerve wracking situations, either on the stage or on the court, you will eventually start to become more confident.

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

Giett:  My father inspires me. He focuses on providing for and prioritizing others over himself, and he is always welcoming to new friends. 

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

Giett:  I would love to thank my family and friends for being supportive and encouraging through my every endeavor.  I would also like to thank my private coach, Jill, for always being patient with me and helping me through more than just challenges on the court.