By Carole King
Jeff Smith, Chanute High School’s Boys Tennis Coach, nominates senior Ethan Burnett as the team MVP this Spring.
“Ethan has been our top doubles player the last 3 years,” Coach Smith says. “In addition, he is our all-time wins leader currently and is a former Regional Champion.”
As a sophomore, Ethan earned a 10th place medal in 2023 and an 8th place medal as a junior last season.
“He will team up with junior Ayden Cummings again this year in hopes to improve on their 8th place finish from last year,” Smith says. “Ethan and Ayden are looking to win a League Championship this year, which has not been done in Chanute school history in doubles.”
Ethan considers his entire family to be the key to his success. “I would like to say thank you to my entire family. From my grandparents who taught me how to play, to my mom and dad hitting with me, to my sisters playing with me,” he says. “My family’s support means the world to me. Knowing they are cheering for me encourages me to fight harder.”
Chanute High School senior Ethan Burnett spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?
– At the beginning of the season, we sat down as a team and outlined our goals. My goal is to place 6th or higher at the state tournament.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
– My favorite memories with this team are when our entire Varsity team made it to state last year. We all had an amazing time driving to the state tournament and playing together.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
– My current doubles partner, Aiden, has made a huge impact on me. He is always very calm and consistent. He also practices constantly, and this drives me to work even harder just like he does.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
– I love the relationship between the players and our coaches. From commenting on our new shoes to throwing trash-talk back and forth as we play a match, we all have fun when we are on the court.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
– I am involved in several clubs and groups, such as the National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Soccer, Chess, Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Select Ensemble, Musicals, and Plays.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (Both any sport and any non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
– I am most proud of my academic awards. I was Student of the Year in Advanced Placement Language, Chemistry, Human Body Systems, Social Studies 10, and Junior Student of the Year.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
– Tennis has taught me how to control my temper. When I was younger, my temper dictated how well I played. If I started making mistakes, I would shut down and play even worse. I had to learn how to let go of my mistakes and simply look to the next point. Getting frustrated only causes me to play worse.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
– “Move your feet or you’ll get beat!”
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
– My grandma inspires me. She taught me how to play tennis from an early age and has played throughout her entire life. She still plays, and I have only recently been able to beat her.
Congratulations Ethan for being MVP of the Chanute High School Boys Tennis Team!
