Chloe Baker liked playing sports growing up but wasn’t involved in athletics as a freshman at Seymour High School.
During her sophomore year, she decided to make a change. She joined the tennis team in the spring.
Baker is now a senior with the Owls and is in her third and final season with the program.
“I took lessons before my sophomore year and said, ‘OK, I’m going to go out for the team this year.’ I think it’s a really good group of girls, and I love the sport of tennis,” Baker said. “It’s more of a mental game, so that helps you get a positive mental attitude for yourself and for everybody else.”
Baker has played both singles and doubles during her career.
“I love the teamwork aspect of doubles, and it’s just nice having somebody else there so you can celebrate the wins, and they have your back when you mess up,” Baker said.
She is right-handed and prefers to play on the deuce side of the court.
“I like my forehand better, and (in a recent match), that worked better because the girl I played with was preferring her backhand,” Baker said.
During points, Baker prefers to play from the baseline.
“I’m more comfortable with the back,” she said. “I feel it’s easier to prepare for a point when you’re at the back of the net versus when you’re at the front. Communication is probably the most important part of doubles. You need to work together to get the point, and if you’re not calling the ball or you’re not communicating whether or not who has it, you usually don’t get the point.”
Baker said she enjoys the home matches.
“I like the home matches because it’s easier for more people to come out,” she said. “It’s home, so you feel safer in a way, and you’re more comfortable here because you’re used to all the courts and you’re used to the people coming, and the team gets more amped up about being home.”
She likes attending SHS.
“I’ve enjoyed all the friendships I’ve had and the teachers and the classes and the organizations I’ve been able to be involved in,” Baker said. “It has really opened a lot of doors for me and figuring out what I want to do the rest of my life. I’ll remember the team moments and the cheering and everything involved in that.”
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Name: Chloe Baker
High school: Seymour
Parents: Rob and Tiffany Baker
Siblings: Gabe and Sam
Sport: Tennis, three years
Organizations: National Honor Society, band, youth leader for a local youth group, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 4-H
Plans after high school: Attend Hanover College and study psychology
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Favorite TV show: "Friends"
Favorite musicians: The Jonas Brothers
Favorite movie: "Peter Pan"
Favorite athlete: Roger Federer
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