(Atlantic) Zayden Parker has only been playing tennis for two years, but he’s already making major strides for Atlantic. Competing in the No. 1 singles spot this season, Parker posted an impressive 8-1 record in singles and doubles over the past week, earning him this week’s KS95.7 Armour Insurance Athlete of the Week honors.
Parker showed that hard work pays off, recognizing that his serve was dictating the flow of his matches. He focused on improving that part of his game, and the adjustment made a noticeable difference in his performance this past week.
What he discovered was that he should approach his serve more methodically, and he compared it to his experience playing quarterback.
Although he’s competing in the team’s No. 1 singles spot, Parker says he prefers doubles. With his sights set on reaching the state tournament, he believes he’ll likely be playing doubles once the postseason begins.
Parker’s path to tennis began after an injury sidelined him, causing him to miss his entire junior football season. When spring 2025 arrived, he decided to switch to tennis.
This past week, Zayden Parker won his singles match against Creston on Monday, 8-2, and teamed with Preston Harter for an 8-1 doubles victory, as the Trojans swept the dual, 9-0. On Tuesday, Atlantic defeated Harlan 9-0, with Harter earning the 8-4 singles win and pairing with Rayden Wheeler for an 8-5 doubles victory. At Wednesday’s tournament in Atlantic, Parker and Wheeler went 2-1, helping the team finish tied for second place. The Trojans closed the week on Thursday with another 9-0 win over Red Oak, as Parker secured the 8-5 singles win and added a victory at No. 1 doubles alongside Preston Harter.
