Pensacola Catholic boys tennis' freshman Gavin Tubban wins Athlete of the Week award

[ASFN Admin]

Gavin Tubban may only be a freshman, but he's shown off some strong skill with the Pensacola Catholic boys tennis team this season.

During the week of March 3-8, Tubban and the Crusaders competed at the McGill-Toolen Invitational in Mobile, and had a strong string of victories at the third singles spot.

Tubban picked up wins against Ocean Springs (Miss.), LAMP (Ala.), Parkview Baptist and Clinton (Miss.). Against Parkview Baptist and Clinton, Tubban also won at second singles with teammate John Falce.

For his efforts, Tubban won the PNJ Athlete of the Week award, sponsored by Florida Power and Light, claiming 42.72% of the poll's votes on the PNJ's website the following week. Each weekly winner is awarded a one-of-a-kind PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt.

Before Tubban was interviewed by PNJ sports reporter Ben Grieco, Tubban had a long list of people to thank, including Pensacola Catholic head coach Geoff Watts, as well as private lesson coaches: Jordan Meade, Rita Dotson, Linsley McMillion, Josh Koivu, Mallory Leighty and Terry Thrash, as well as those at the Roger Scott TEnnis Center.

Here's a question-and-answer session with Tubban, after speaking with Grieco.

Q&A with Pensacola Catholic boys tennis freshman Gavin Tubban​

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PNJ: What's your freshman season been like as a whole so far with Pensacola Catholic tennis?

Gavin Tubban: "It's been pretty good. It's been fun because it's my first time traveling with a team."

PNJ: What's it like being part of a team now, and having the ability to travel together to matches and tournaments?

GT: "I like the chemistry of the team. The upperclassmen have been able to help me."

PNJ: The week you won Athlete of the Week, you had a strong outing at the McGill-Toolen Invitational. What's it like facing top teams like that?

GT: "It's really good competition. It's really upped my moral and mental side, after those wins."

PNJ: What does facing strong teams from out of the area do for you and your own game?

GT: "It helps my mental side, trying to fight through matches."

PNJ: I know you and the rest of the team are headed to Tallahassee this weekend. Is there anything you're trying to take away specifically from the upcoming tournament?

GT: "Not really, just play my game and trust in it."

PNJ: What's the growth been like through your freshman year so far?

GT: "A lot of mental growth. Before, I was always kind of nervous. Now I trust my game a lot more."

PNJ: What's the biggest changed you've noticed from yourself mentally?

GT: "Just staying in a match, even when I'm behind. I'm always in it."

PNJ: Now for some quick ones. Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

GT: "Not really. I just like to sit down, think to myself and maybe take a little walk."

PNJ: Do you have a go-to pre-match meal or snack?

GT: "Just a liquid IV."

PNJ: Do you listen to any type of music before a match?

GT: "Sometimes rap."

PNJ: Is there a dream court you've always wanted to play on?

GT: "Wimbledon, for sure."

PNJ: Is there a person that you've always wanted to play against in singles?

GT: "Definitely Carlos Alcaraz."

PNJ: How about a dream doubles partner?

GT: "Rafael Nadal."

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Catholic's Gavin Tubban wins PNJ Athlete of the Week award

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