At McAlester High School, senior Erica Galvez has turned an unexpected start in tennis into a steady and impactful career, one built on growth, resilience and a team-first mindset.
Galvez was first introduced to tennis in seventh grade, not as a primary pursuit, but as a way to improve in volleyball. What started as a suggestion quickly became something more as she developed a passion for the sport and its challenges.
Now in her final season, Galvez takes pride in representing a program she believes deserves more recognition. “What I enjoy most about representing my sport is being able to bring attention to how McAlester tennis is just as great and important as any other sport,” she said.
Throughout her high school career, Galvez has experienced both singles and doubles competition. She spent three years as the No. 1 singles player before recently moving to No. 1 doubles. “What I like about playing singles is being able to be in control,” she said. “What I enjoy about doubles is having the extra help.”
Her growth has been shaped largely by her mental approach. Staying focused and blocking out distractions was once a challenge, but over time, she has learned how to stay present in each moment. During matches, she relies on simple techniques to stay grounded. “I like to stay focused by taking deep breaths and reminding myself to keep moving and keep pushing,” she said.
One of her favorite memories came during her sophomore year when she qualified for the state tournament, a milestone that boosted her confidence and set the tone for the rest of her career.
Galvez credits her coach as the biggest influence on her development, pushing her to improve both on and off the court. “He never let me give up and constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself,” she said.
As she navigates the demands of her senior year, Galvez remains focused on finishing strong. Her goal is to return to the state tournament in doubles, while continuing to represent her team with pride and determination.
