Westwood's Evie Castellani is grateful to end her high school career as a state champion
All about Evie: starting with dreams of pro tennis
Tell something about you that most people don't know.
I am very involved with volunteer work outside of school through the National Charity League with my mom. I have volunteered over 700 hours across my four years in high school, and it's something I'm really proud of.
What has been the biggest news event of your lifetime?
I think the biggest news event in my lifetime was the outbreak of COVID-19. It was something so shocking, and even my parents had never experienced anything like it. Having my eighth grade year cut short was something I never would have expected in my lifetime.
What has been your favorite vacation?
My favorite vacation was definitely my trip to Tokyo, Japan, when I was in middle school. I went with my parents and my younger brother, and one of my favorite parts about it was the food we ate. It was so different from any of the places in Europe I've been to.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were a little kid?
I think like any little kid who starts playing a sport, I wanted to be a professional tennis player. Other than that, I think at one point I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals.
What will you do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I am going to attend Tulane University to study cognitive science and public health. I am not playing tennis for Tulane, but want to play for their club team during my time there. I picked Tulane because it's not too far or too close to home, and I was a big fan of the small class sizes.
Reaching goals while winning state tennis
What has been your greatest memory of Westwood tennis?
My greatest memory with Westwood tennis was probably getting third in district my sophomore year with one of my closest friends (Janani Sivakumar). We upset Vandegrift in the quarterfinals in a match we weren't expected to win and had the entire team cheering us on at the end of the match. It was simultaneously the scariest and most exciting match I've ever played.
Has tennis taught you any life lessons?
Tennis has taught me patience and the importance of hard work to get results. I apply these lessons to my academic and personal lives almost daily.
What was the best part about winning state in team tennis last fall?
One of my favorite parts about winning state last fall was ending my senior year on a high note. I remember when we lost my sophomore year, the bus ride home was quiet, and nobody really knew what to say, but getting to end my senior year with a win felt rewarding, and it was overall a really exciting experience.
Dream dinner: Reconnecting with her kindergarten teacher
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I'd choose my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Harvey; Coco Gauff; Emma Stone; and Olivia Rodrigo.
Olivia Rodrigo?
Not only do I love her music; she is very close to my age. Having a conversation with her would be really interesting, relatable and easy.
Other Faces off the field interviews
Other Austin-area tennis players we've interviewed this year: Westwood's Anwi Duduka
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Faces off the field: Westwood senior tennis player Evie Castellani
