GAME ON: The Player - Dylan Neel

GAME ON: The Player - Dylan Neel

Q & A with Dylan Neel, Moses Brown Tennis

 

What are you looking forward to this season?

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Although we are in the NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) division for tennis, this year we are going to be scrimmaging some RI teams, such as Mount St. Charles, La Salle, North Kingstown and Wheeler. It will be fun to play RI kids, and some teams we've never faced before!

What has been the biggest challenge being a high school athlete?

My biggest challenge as a high school athlete would have to be managing my time efficiently. It is very difficult to balance homework, cello practice and community service with tennis tournaments that often take up the whole weekend.

Who is your biggest motivator?

My tennis coach Nestor Bernabe is definitely my biggest motivator. Along with being a great coach, Nestor is a good friend, and has made otherwise grueling practices, fun.

Who is your biggest rival?

Tabor Academy is MB's biggest rival. We play them twice every season, and the matches are always close and very exciting. Last season they beat us in the first match, and we demolished them in the second!

What are you working to improve your game?

Personally, I am working on improving my overall fitness. Especially in tournaments, you need stamina to play well in the third and fourth rounds.

What is your greatest memory on the court?

My greatest memory would have to be reaching the finals of the NEPSITT singles tournament last year, despite severe cramps in my semifinal match. My teammates, and high school coach Karin Morse, were there for me all the way.

How are you able to balance your schoolwork with practices, games, and training?

There is not a lot of downtime for a high school athlete: challenging course work takes a lot of time, and any time left over is spent on the court. Its tough, but if you enjoy your sport it's worth it.

Where do you see yourself going from here, do you plan to pursue this sport in college?

I will attend Harvard University in the Fall and I hope to continue my tennis career! If I don't play for the varsity team I will definitely play club tennis in college! Tennis is a lifetime sport, and I see myself playing the game all my life.