By Mark Ambrogi
Center Grove High School senior tennis player Evan Davis has shown his versatility this season.
“Evan has been a vital part of the team’s success this year,” Trojans first-year boys coach David Beasley said. “Primarily, in past seasons, Evan has played singles. However, his dedication and willingness to learn new skills have allowed him to have overwhelming success this year in both doubles positions. As a testament to Evan’s adaptability, he has recorded straight set wins this year against No. 3 North Central, in singles, and against No. 5 Hamilton Southeastern and No. 7 Columbus North, in doubles.
Through Sept. 10, Davis had a 14-1 record for eighth-ranked Center Grove. He was named all-state honorable mention and all-district in singles last season.
“As one of the team captains this year, he has led his peers with passion and intensity with every match he steps on the court,” Beasley said. “The coaching staff is eager to watch Evan’s contribution to the team’s success, later this month, in the IHSAA tournament.”
Davis said he has made the most improvement with his ability to play both singles and doubles.
“Since the team has had some challenges with injuries, the coach has had me play in several positions this year,” Davis said. “I feel like my mental game and strategy has continued to get more accurate.”
Davis said his team goal is to be able to make it to at least the state quarterfinals.
Beasley was an assistant coach under Ivan Smith for the previous three seasons. Beasley tool over as head coach this season for Smith, who had been the boys coach since 1977. Davis said it has been smooth transition.
“Coach Beasley is a great coach,” Davis said. “I have been lucky to have had him on the coaching staff all four years. He brings energy and support to help you perform at your best.”
at multiple spots this season for
Center Grove’s tennis team.
(Photos courtesy of Patty Davis)
Davis moved into the No. 3 singles position his sophomore year during sectional play.
“I was able to be a part of the team making it to state finals,” said Davis, whose Trojans lost 3-2 to Munster in 2020 state quarterfinals. “That was extremely exciting. Last year as a junior I played No. 3 singles the entire year until an injury took me out in postseason. This year I have played multiple positions due to injures of teammates. This has really allowed my playing to improve greatly.”
THE DAVIS FILE
AGE: 17
HEIGHT: 5-foot-8
SPORT: Tennis
CLASS: Senior
COLLEGE PLANS: Major in a medical-related field
HOBBIES: Playing Xbox, chess, hanging out with friends
FAVORITE ATHLETE: Steph Curry
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Biology
FAVORITE MOVIE: “Step Brothers”
FAVORITE TV SHOW: “The Office”
IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Na Pali, Hawaii
PARENTS’ NAMES: Patty and Kevin Davis
