Recent Jenks High School graduate Matthan Tharakan has been playing tennis since he was eight years old. He says that he instantly fell in love with the sport and greatly admires the person who first got him into it.

"My grandfather is my role model," he said. "He introduced me to tennis and has been a big part of my life."

Competing for the Trojans was a bit of a change for Tharakan but it is something he has enjoyed.

"Playing high school sports was a big change for me," he said. "Throughout high school, I was playing tennis individually. Playing for Jenks High School my senior year was a change due to the team environment."

Playing alongside others has contributed to one of Tharakan's favorite moments in his sport.

"My standout memory was winning doubles with Caylor Hessen at the Ponca City invitational," he said.

Tharakan is also active at Racquet & Health 91, as well as being involved in Pre-Med, DFY, and Superfan. In case his schedule wasn't busy enough, he also participates in an internship at the Oklahoma Heart Institute.

Tharakan shared that his word of advice for younger players would be to "trust the process." Now finished with his high school career, he will be playing Division 1 tennis at the University of Connecticut.