_{While most juniors at Carlsbad High are planning their weekend activities, junior Jake Eddington is usually out training for his next tennis match. Eddington has created a big name for himself over the three years he’s been a part of the boys tennis program at Carlsbad High School, but his career began years before his transition to high school.}

_{“I started playing during Covid because I wanted something new to do but then I started really playing on a team freshman year,” Eddington said. ”I wanted to play a sport in high school and it was something easy I could do with my friends.”}

_{Tennis came pretty easily to him as he made varsity as a freshman and discovered his passion throughout his first season. After loads of training and simply just playing, Eddington grew as a ranked tennis player.}

_{“I spent a lot of time training during the pandemic and that’s when I started really getting good,” Eddington said. “Playing varsity freshman year is what made me continue through school, I had a lot of fun with the team.”}

_{The Carlsbad tennis program built a strong community that led him to such success in this sport. As it takes a lot of hard work and team chemistry to make it where he is. Jakes became number seven in the state of California as a high school tennis player and teammates have played a big role in getting so far.}

_{“The varsity team was actually very welcoming and I made a lot of friends which definitely helped me get through the seasons and improve as a player,” Eddington said. “The only setbacks I’ve really had was the coaching. Sometimes I’d have problems with my coach but other than that I never really had any challenges.”}

_{Despite coaching setbacks, Eddington’s experience is what highlights his athletic development. Having guidance from teammates to succeed through a full season is what builds the strong team.}

_{Looking ahead at his senior year he’s keeping his team spirit and focusing on a win for the lancers. While he climbs this individual CIF ranking he stays humble remembering who helped him get there. Starting tennis as a quarantine hobby to becoming a top tier athlete has given him a strong name in the tennis program.}

_{“The ranking is cool but I’m always focused on playing a good game and being on the court with the guys,” Eddington said. “Senior year should be a good season for all of us and to see how I get better.}