Tahlequah High School senior Katie Moore approaches the tennis court with purpose, her eyes fixated on the ball. Katie is leading her school in more ways than one: as an athlete, a dedicated student and a friend.

In the heat of competition, Katie, the top singles player for the girls’ team, channels her motivation. “Trying to be my best self and always wanting to learn is what motivates me the most!” Her drive stems from her parents and coach, Robert Mitchell. “My parents have always shown me how to work hard and for what I want,” she said. Coach Mitchell has instilled in her the importance of being present both on and off the court. “My coach influenced me to always be in the moment while playing tennis and how I can learn from it on and off the court.”

Reflecting on her journey, Katie recalls the impact of her sophomore English teacher, Mrs. Lamb. “She taught me how to voice my opinions and always encouraged the class to try to the best of our ability,” she said, grateful for the guidance that shaped her.

Through dedication and commitment, Katie has overcome challenges on the court. “Some days, I can be hitting the best I’ve ever hit and other days, it’s like I hit nearly every ball in the net or out of the court.”  Yet, she perseveres, reminding herself to keep pushing forward.

One defining moment stands out in Katie’s tennis career—qualifying for state competition after a grueling match at regionals. “It felt like all the hours I spent practicing and playing matches paid off,” she recalled with a sense of accomplishment.

Off the court, Katie finds joy in facing off against her teammate, Amelia Miller, always striving to improve together. She commends Noah Barrett for his dedication to improvement. “He puts in the most effort into getting better and improving his game.”

As Katie looks ahead, she envisions a future in law, planning to attend the University of Arkansas to study pre-law. Her ultimate goal is to become a criminal defense lawyer, driven by the desire to make a positive impact.

For Katie Moore, tennis isn’t just a game—it’s a platform to showcase the values of hard work and determination, inspiring her school and community with every match she plays.