Who is Austen Ward? A look at the men’s tennis team captain
20 year old Austen Ward, team captain of the Gauchos men’s tennis team, winds back for the serve (Jessica Lee Owens)
Captain of the Saddleback tennis team, head coach of Tesoro High School’s junior varsity girl’s tennis team, and a personal coach to young children, 20 year old Austen Ward continues to improve and share his tennis expertise.
Inspired by the competition of the 2004 French Open, Austen Ward began his tennis career at the age of 14. Practicing five days a week with a personal coach, his hard work paid off at an early age.
As a four year varsity letterman of the Tesoro High boy’s tennis team, Ward received the Coaches Award and has been recognized as a student athlete and team captain on numerous accounts.
Red shirting last year, Austen Ward is back on the court for a third and final season at Saddleback. Serving as the Men’s Gaucho Tennis team captain for this 2012 and 2013 season, Ward is excited for what the season holds.
Ward explained that the depth of the team has improved greatly compared to the prior season. “By emphasizing the strength as a unit and sticking together through the good and bad, I hope to bring leadership and a positive attitude to all teams I play and work with,” Ward said.
As a coach and captain, Ward always strives to find and be the median of fun and competitiveness. Coaching and leading teams, as well as individual players, ranging from 10 to 20 years old, tennis has taught Ward many valuable life lessons. “Tennis is a metaphor for life. Keep trying and give it your all, focus on the important things in the game,” Ward said.
Through the sport he has learned the importance of work ethics, self-discipline, and independence. Ward’s leadership and tennis expertise have made him a prospective student and player to several schools. After the 2012-2013 Gaucho Tennis season ends in April, Ward hopes to transfer from Saddleback to Chapman or Cal Lutheran to continue his tennis career and major in Advertising/Marketing.