By Ken Hansard

            Lamar High senior tennis player Isabel Osborne’s senior season can already be called an unqualified success – even before it has officially started.  Osborne, who first picked up a racket for the first time as a freshman, has fought her way through the JV ranks for three years and, as a senior, will now be competing at the varsity level, “I went from #1 JV last year to #5 Varsity this year. This is a big jump for me. I’ve always wanted to make varsity and do the most I can with the sport.”

            Getting to this point did not come easily for Osborne; it took a lot of hard work, long hours, and lots of commitment, “I had to work hard on my backhand. Lots of hard work and dedication to the sport over the summer really improved not only my backhand but several other aspects of my game, as well.”

Isabel has embraced her new role as a senior statesman for the Tigers, “I have some leadership positions.  Sometimes I will encourage other girls, and I also lead the stretching before practice. I love to encourage my teammates.”

As for what she would like to achieve this season, Osborne says that she has already accomplished her biggest goal, but there is still more that she wants to achieve, “Now the goal is to stay on varsity and to leave every match being proud of myself, no matter what the score.  I’m looking forward to pushing myself past my limits and enjoying this year with my teammates one last time.  I want to create lasting bonds with my team members. But I also want to win lots of matches.”

Again, regardless of what happens this season, Osborne will have peace knowing how much she has accomplished in the last four years, “The thing I’m most proud of is my mental game. I have changed the way I think completely. Now, I’m thinking positively and talking to my Heavenly Father the whole time through a match, completing it with joy. I am so elated I started playing tennis, because it’s the best fit for me. I’ve met so many people through tennis.”

When not playing tennis, Isabel has many diverse interests.  She is a member of Lamar High’s Student Council.  She also participates in FCCLA, FCA, Hi-Step, and is a member of the prestigious National Honors Society. She has lettered in tennis and has received awards through STUCO.  She has an impressive G.P.A. of 4.09 and has already scored a 24 on her ACT.

Osborne’s plan following graduation is to attend either Evangel or John Brown to study Exercise Science with a focus on nutrition. She also plans to minor in Creative Writing.