It takes patience and a precise swing to finish an overhead shot in tennis. Max Ortiz does it well. He never gets sick of reaching high and smashing the ball down on the opposite side of the net so that foes can’t return it.
“Those are probably my favorite shots. My eyes light up when I get one of those. It feels so good. It just fires you up,” said the 6-foot-1 Ortiz, a four-year varsity squad member and team co-captain who plays No. 1 doubles.
Besides smacking tennis balls, Ortiz loves photography, ping-pong and Seinfeld.
Coach’s corner
Ortiz has several strengths on the court, but his powerful overhead hits leave people gasping. “He has the best overhead on the team. He’s not the guy you want to lob against. He’s a good leaper, he’s quick, and he hits the ball hard,” said E-W tennis coach Dan Crist, who called Ortiz an articulate, humble person.
Sticking with it
Ortiz started playing tennis regularly in sixth grade but frustration with the sport nearly drove him to quit early in high school. However, he decided to keep trying. It was a wise choice. “I’m so glad I stuck with it. The kids are a lot different than on the basketball team,” said Ortiz, who also plays hoops for E-W. “And (coach Crist) is a great guy. I love having him as a coach.”
Double time
Singles players tend to get more glory but Ortiz enjoys doubles competition and says his strengths fit well with the two-on-two format. “That’s where I’m stronger. I’m good at the net and with my overheads and serves,” said Ortiz, who this fall is trying to help E-W win its fourth consecutive Western Conference South Division championship.
Favorite pro tennis players
Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
Clubbin’
Beyond playing varsity sports, Ortiz stays busy by participating in two clubs. He’s a member of E-W’s photography club and loves taking pictures at the beach, especially when he gets shots of people fishing or crabbing in Puget Sound. He’s also a member of the school’s ping-pong club. “It’s a blast,” said Ortiz, who advanced to the finals in one of the club’s tournaments.
No soup for you
“Seinfeld” is Ortiz’s favorite TV show. He regularly watches reruns of the off-the-wall sitcom and recently borrowed some of the show’s DVDs from a friend. Asked to pick a favorite character, Ortiz said it’s impossible: “I like them all. They complement each other so well.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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