GRACE BAKER ON THE RISE IN TENNIS

Carmel Middle School 8th grader Grace Baker is one of the top tennis players in North Carolina.  The 14 year old daughter of Charlie and Gayle Baker is the sixth ranked 14U player in the state.  Grace has earned this top ranking with successful play in some of the top tennis tournaments in the Southeast.

Under the watchful eye of tennis coach Peter Ayers, Grace has advanced by great lengths with a large amount of hard work over the last eight months.

“Tennis didn’t come easy for me. It has taken a lot of hard work and many hours of practice every week.” Grace said. “My coach has really helped me raise the level of my game.”

Grace practices at least six days a week for three hours each session. On school days, Grace dashes from Carmel Middle to Olde Providence Racquet Club where she practices from 4-7pm.  Following a quick dinner, Grace turns her attention to homework before calling it a night.  Amazingly, she maintains a straight A average despite the hectic schedule.

Grace’s mother Gayle is very proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

“Grace is a really good student and tennis player. She tries hard in everything she does and becomes aggravated when she can’t grasp something right away.  She is determined to work hard and become better and everything she sets her mind to.  We are very proud of her.”

A new tournament awaits nearly every weekend.  Many of these tournaments are 100’s of miles away from Charlotte.  This spring, Grace will travel to Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.  Fortunately, her most recent tournament was held here in Charlotte. Grace played well enough to win a Level 4 tournament at Park Road Park in the 18U division.

Not bad for a girl that followed her friends to the tennis court at age six.

Grace has set her focus on contending for a state championship this summer and improving her state ranking.  The charming tennis star recognizes that she will have to work harder than ever before to contend for tournament championships. 

Doubles play also figures into each player’s ranking.  With her doubles partner, area resident, Meredith Branham alongside, Grace believes her team will win a few doubles championships this summer as well.

As the ranking improves so will the opportunity to earn a college scholarship in a few years.  The South Charlotte Sports Report wishes Grace Baker the best of luck this summer and in the future!