HighFIVE: Drake Solley
Known by his coaches for his work strong ethic and positive attitude, 11- year-old Drake Solley has a maturity beyond his years, taking in stride his original spot on the Colorado Team Orange squad (60-foot court) when he was already playing green/yellow ball (78-foot court.)
“I think it was good to start there and get good form and to slow down the play,” he said of the orange ball experience. He has since moved up.
A self-described perfectionist, Drake’s favorite stroke is his approach shot reflecting his dynamic style on the court.
“I’m aggressive at the right times, but I can be consistent at the back. When I have a chance, though, I take it!” he explained.
Introduced to tennis by his parents, tennis is a family sport that includes fraternal twin, Callen.
Described by his mom, Becky Rosetti-Solley, as a highly reflective young man, Drake worked hard to gain his positive attitude.
“He struggled mentally at first because he really wants to win,” she explained of her son’s competitive nature. “But one thing that is so special is he is extremely insightful. He always hears and reflects on feedback and takes it to heart. He analyzes it himself and comes out on the other side.”
Becky also appreciates Team Colorado’s holistic approach to the game, acknowledging how it develops young athletes’ mental skills and integrity on and off the court through development of self-reflection.
That type of insight works well with Drake’s inherent strategic thinking skills. It’s also what makes him attracted to rock climbing.
“Rock climbing and tennis both require that you use your arms and are both mentally challenging. They build up your strength like crazy, “he said.
That strength isn’t limited to Drake’s physical being, as he is known in addition to his work ethic and strong sportsmanship as a strategic thinker.
“I think I have pretty quick thinking skills so that I can decide what I want to do on a tennis court and also when rock climbing. I’m good when I have to make a quick decision.” He also adds that he’s, “a hard worker and doesn’t like to give up. I like to persevere and am usually proud of myself.”
Off the court, Drake is strong in academics and plays the cello, indicative of his well-rounded abilities. He also loves to read, his favorite books currently being the Percy Jackson series.
Although Drake admires and works to mirror the play and approach of Federer, Drake doesn’t dream of a professional career. He does hope to take tennis potentially through college but mostly appreciates that he’s learning about life through the experience.
“Tennis is about having fun. Losing isn’t the end of the world. It’s all a learning experience and if you lose you actually learn more.”
