With a more aggressive mindset this year, Buffalo Gap's Alex DiGrassie hopes for more postseason tennis success
SWOOPE — Alex Digrassie began playing tennis when she was 5, saying Augusta Health Fitness really helped develop her game. She played on and off until she reached high school.
"I was really nervous to play on a high school team," the Buffalo Gap junior said. "But when I got into it I really loved it. I started taking tennis so much more seriously than I ever did before."
She is unbeaten in singles this year with Gap's regular season set to end next week. She was voted by readers of The News Leader as this week's athlete of the week.
Last year, DiGrassie won the regional championship before falling in states. Her coach, Patrick Torrens, is excited for her changes at the state level this year.
DiGrassie approached this season with a more aggressive mindset, especially at the net.
"That has really worked out for me," she said. "In the past I had more of a conservative playing style where I rallied back and forth, but now I'm hitting more aggressive shots that are winning me points."
She said it hasn't been difficult to adapt to a more aggressive style. It's really been about honing in on the little things that needed changing that have made a big difference in her game.
"Alex is a highly skilled tennis player, a leader who has helped me develop a core of players around her that allows us to punch far above our weight as a class one school, and take down far bigger rivals," Torrens said.
DiGrassie plays the sport throughout the year. She's open to playing in college after next year if there are coaches interested in her being on the team.
"I love the individuality of (tennis)," she said. "You can focus on yourself but also focus on the team. I can help other players to figure out what they need to reach their goals, but I can also work on myself at the same time to benefit the team."
Her coach also pointed out that, in addition to her skills on the tennis court, DiGrassie is also a great student who attends Shenandoah Valley Governor's School.
"She is the total package," Torrens said. "I’m very lucky to have the chance to work with her for for four years."
If you have an athlete to nominate, please ask the athlete's coach to send the student's name and stats by Sunday to phite@newsleader.com.
Voting opens every Monday and closes Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced Thursday on newsleader.com.
Other nominees this week:
Maggie Robertson, Riverheads, softball: In a pair of Riverheads wins last week, Robertson had four hits, an RBI, a double and two stolen bases. The senior, who is headed to Bridgewater to play softball next year, is a team leader. Her coach said her positive attitude has been a big help for a young team.
Alison Troxell, Wilson Memorial, girls tennis: The sophomore was unbeaten last week in her singles and doubles matches. Troxell won singles against Riverheads (8-0), Turner Ashby (8-2) and Waynesboro (8-1) before teaming with GG Babral to win doubles vs Riverheads (8-4), Turner Ashby (8-6) and Waynesboro (8-3).
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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Athlete of the week: Buffalo Gap's Alex DiGrassie
