Minnesota Tennis Hub | MN High School Tennis

QUICK Q&A:  ZACH EKSTEIN, EAGAN SOPHOMORE

Coach Scott Nichols always can count on getting a point out of Ekstein, who posted an 18-0 record during the regular season playing at No. 2 singles for the Wildcats. Here is a closer look at Ekstein:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "The Avengers."

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Athletic, thoughtful, friendly.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? Participating in sports keeps me focused on my schoolwork and enables me to schedule my time wisely.

What is your favorite meal prior to a match? Just a bar or a protein shake.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... very awkward because I didn't really know anyone except for a few kids, but by the end of the season I felt very comfortable around everyone.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Being the only person on the Eagan High School varsity tennis team to win my match playing No. 4 singles in the state final as an eighth-grader. Also, winning the individual section tournament in doubles to go to state last year.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? A longer season and more matches.

In 10 years, I hope I'm ... in college and working toward a career in the medical field.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? Never go into a match thinking you're going to lose, always think positive. Never show that you're fatigued, because that will give your opponent the edge and worsen your play.

RON HAGGSTROM