Sport: Tennis. Positions: No. 1 singles and doubles
Parents: Jennifer and John Volkmann
Hometown: Winchester
What do you love about tennis?: I really like that it’s an individual sport, but you still get to have a good team spirit and team environment.
Most memorable moment in tennis: When I went to [the Region 4D tournament] my freshman year with my very close friend and doubles partner, Alex Townes. (Townes is also a junior). We both understand each other really well on the court and know how to bring each other up when it gets really mentally difficult. Our freshman year, we played some really difficult teams, but we also did pretty well. We took third in the [Northwestern] district [to make regionals], so that was fun.
Most embarrassing moment in tennis: Recently, I got new shoes, and I tripped on the court multiple times during one of my matches.
Most difficult moment in tennis: Sometimes, I just get in my head. A couple years ago when I played Handley for the first time, I really got in my head when I was playing, and that made it difficult.
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: [Former Supreme Court justice] Ruth Bader Ginsburg and [Olympic gold medal gymnast] Simone Biles; they’re such strong female people in their fields. I think I can learn a lot by talking to them, and I’d love to hear their stories. And my grandma Janet; I never got to meet her, so I think it would be really nice to be able to talk to her.
Biggest athletic influence: Jasmine Paolini. She’s an Italian tennis player. She’s kind of short like I am, and she’s really feisty on the court, which I really like.
Favorite teacher: Mr. [Garrett] Hammer. He’s my history teacher this year. He really makes history interactive and understandable through many different lenses, which I really appreciate.
Favorite athlete: Jasmine Paolini
Favorite team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Favorite movie: “Garden State”
Favorite TV show: “Friends”
Favorite song: “Cologne” by beabadoobee
Favorite food: Tacos
Worst thing you’ve eaten: Spinach
Plans after high school: I’d like to attend a four-year university and study international relations. I really like traveling, I really like languages and I’m interested in political things and policy.
— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki