By Ken Hansard
Elliana Griffith, a senior tennis player for Lamar High, calls herself “a one sport wonder,” but that label doesn’t tell half the story, and it definitely doesn’t do justice to just how incredibly well-rounded Griffith is as a person. Griffith says that she decided to try tennis her freshmen year “on a whim.” She also said, “I didn’t know much about the sport, but it looked fun. I am so glad I did because my love for tennis has only grown. I grew closer to my friends and my mom while playing with them all the time and making new memories.”
When asked about her role with the Tigers’ Tennis team, Elliana had a refreshing response, “I try to be a positive influence on the other girls. Since I’m a senior, I want to set a good example for the younger girls and welcome them because I know how scary high school and upperclassmen can be. I always try to keep a smile on my face and lift others’ spirits, like sunshine.”
Going into her final season with the Tigers, Griffith says she is most looking forward to bonding with the girls. “During the month of September, we are around each other all the time, and it really helps bring us closer as a team and as friends.”
It’s great to see an athlete, or anyone for that matter, who truly appreciates the little things in life, and Elliana definitely seems to notice things that others may not, “My sophomore year my doubles partner and I captured a third-place medal at the Big 8 Conference Championships. It meant the world to us. My mom was so excited that she told me we were getting something to celebrate before we reunited with family. I chose a large, chocolatey, Starbucks drink!”
While Elliana seems able to find joy in almost anything, that doesn’t mean that she is not driven to achieve goals that she has for herself. Last year she medaled at several tournaments in doubles. The team finished second at districts. This year, she has plans to improve upon those accomplishments. “One of my goals is to medal at every tournament. Every year we’ve been really close to winning districts but have always fallen short. I want to be district champions!”
It’s little wonder that Griffith only has time for one sport. Consider the large number of activities that she is involved in. She is in FCCLA, High Step, FCA, Student Council, Scholars Bowl, Book Club, and National Honor Society. She has attended Missouri Scholars Academy and Missouri Girls’ State. She has received several awards from LAD (the Language Arts Department of Southwest Missouri) for her original poems, short stories, and longer fiction novels. As you might expect, Elliana is also strong in the classroom with a G.P.A. above 4.0 and an A.C.T. score of 30.
Elliana finished by voicing some of her thoughts about the upcoming season, “I think we have a strong team with lots of passionate girls who are willing to give their all. I think my senior tennis season will be amazing. I’m also looking forward to senior night because I think it’s a sweet event, and I can’t wait to see what my senior gift is!”
In the end, Elliana has gained a lot from a sport she took up on a whim. “I have found a second family. It has been wonderful seeing just how supportive my teammates are.”
After graduating, Elliana would like to attend the University of Arkansas, John Brown University, or Evangel University. Her plan is to major in English and minor in Creative Writing or Spanish. Her career goal is to become an editor for fiction books or possibly an English teacher overseas. She also looks forward to getting married and starting a family.
