Athlete of the Week: Jake Haas, Fairmont High School

Grade: Senior

Age: 18

Sport: Tennis

Claim to fame/honors: Fourth-year varsity player is team captain, earned sportsmanship award junior year; received award of excellence at Scholar-Athlete banquet; will attend Ball State and major in meteorology

Bet you didn’t know … I don’t drink soda

Words you live by: Be your best self every day and be true to who you are

Toughest opponent: Centerville

Biggest influence: My mother because she’s raised two amazing kids; she’s gone through a lot and I look up to her very much.

Match-day rituals: We try to pump each other up; the whole team is really positive; we encourage each other all the time

What’s on your bedroom walls? Varsity letters, a sign from a friend that says “You’re a dork.”

When I’m bored I like to … watch tennis

Favorite movie: The Hunger Games

Person who would play you in a movie: Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy on Modern Family)

Favorite TV show: The Fosters

Favorite musical artist: Sia

I can’t live without: My phone

I can live without: Soda

Event you’d like to attend: U.S. Open tennis tournament

Favorite book: Clockwork Orange

Favorite home-cooked meal: My mom’s macaroni and cheese

Favorite restaurant: Steak ‘n Shake

Favorite smell: New car

Favorite cereal: Lucky Charms

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Midwest Sports (a tennis store in Cincinnati)

Vegetable you won’t eat: Asparagus

I’d love to trade places for a day with … my dog, Lucky, a Chihuahua

Whose mind would you like to read? My friend Morgan

Place where you’d love to travel? Around Europe

Talent you’d like to have? I wish I was a good singer

Favorite school subject: Chemistry

Favorite athlete: Caroline Wozniacki

Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts

Favorite Olympic sport: Tennis

Something in the world I’d like to change: Everyone to be happier

Favorite sports moment: Our basketball team hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Springboro

Favorite junk food: Salt and vinegar potato chips

Best thing about tennis: Unity; our team is like a family

In 10 years, I hope to be … happy

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.