Personal Statement
My name is Daniel Ahshapanek and I have a strong desire to play tennis in college and beyond. I attended my first tennis camp in the fifth grade and since that time, I have had a passion for the sport of tennis. I have played tennis for the Anadarko Public School System for the last six years. During that time, I have gained so much experience and knowledge about the game of tennis including strategy, nutrition, rules and conditioning. Besides playing on the Anadarko High School Varsity Tennis Team, I also compete in USTA Tournaments. The following is a list of my tennis related awards and accomplishments: 2012 OSSAA State Tennis Tournament 5th place in #1 doubles class 4A (record 32-12), 2012 Regional Champions, 2011 OSSAA State Tennis Tournament 5th place #1 doubles class 4A (record 32-7), 2011 Regional Runner-Up Champions, 2010 OSSAA State Tennis Tournament 5th place #2 doubles class 4A (record 32-7), 2010 Regional Champions, Received All-Star Award and jackets in 2011, attended Nike Tennis Camp 2009-2012 at the University of Oklahoma, National Champion (2010 & 2011) at the North American Indian Tennis Association National Tournament, represented the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes at the Inaugural Jim Thorpe Native American Games in the sport of tennis, honored by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes for Outstanding Native American Athlete, assisted in teaching at the Anadarko annual summer tennis camp, Anadarko Middle School tennis team coach student assistant, chosen and volunteered as a Ball Boy at two USTA Pro Circuit Tournaments (2011 & 2012), volunteered as a Ball Boy for the Oklahoma Pro Tennis Exhibition (2011). Current Ranking: USTA Missouri-Valley Region 193, Oklahoma Region 33. For the first 5 years of playing tennis, all of my accomplishments have been from practicing and playing on my own. It wasn't until 2012 that I took lessons from a pro and I have only taken about seven lessons so far. I am currently a senior at Anadarko High School and have been a starter on the Anadarko High School Varsity Tennis Team all of my high school seasons. Although I am naturally left-handed, I play tennis right-handed. One of my most unique characteristics is perseverance. I never give up trying to get better as a player. Even when I had new difficulties with my serve, I always continued to practice and sought assistance so I could be the best tennis player that I could be. I would contribute much to any tennis program that I played for. I always work hard and give more than 100%, whether its playing matches, practice, doing drills or conditioning. I love to play and spend a lot of personal time practicing. In addition to focusing on my education, another goal is to play college tennis, preferably in Oklahoma. I plan on majoring in Chemistry in college. I am a Christian and follow God's plan for my life. My identical twin brother Andrew who is and always has been my doubles teammate.