Years of practice paid off for Clarkston High School senior Darylann Trout on Nov. 21 as she signed a letter of intent to play tennis for Grand Valley State University in the fall.
‘It feels really good, there’s a lot of pressure off,? said Trout, who added she was relieved to be done talking to various coaches who were looking to recruit her.
‘I can set new goals now that I know where I’m going and what I want to study.?
Trout, 17, said she decided to attend GVSU because the school has a good health sciences program, so she sees both academic and athletic benefits.
‘They have a really good program for bio-med? and they’ve had the best division II athletic program in the country the past three years,? she said.
Last season, the Lakers finished 10-2 overall and 8-1 in conference, good enough for second place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Clarkston Tennis Coach Craig Judd said he only worked with Trout for one year, but sees talents in her that will help her throughout her life.
‘She’s extremely mentally tough,? Judd said. ‘She really plays the full match out. If she’s up or down, she plays her best.?
Judd added that Trout’s excellent coordination and hand skills have played a large part in her success, and will continue to play a role in her future.
‘I know, going to the next level, the competition takes a big step, so it will help her grow from the standpoint that she’ll have a need to get better. She’s extraordinarily good at the high school level and in college you’ll have the best of the best, so it will force her to learn other shots and get better at the ones she has,? he said.
Trout’s parents, Mike and Nancy, said they were relieved after their daughter formally signed with GVSU.
‘It’s a lot of pressure, you get a lot of coaches calling. It’s a big relief for her to know she’s staying in Michigan,? Nancy said.
‘We’re really proud of her and excited,? said Mike. ‘Academically they have a really good program there.?
Besides natural skill, Trout’s parents attribute her success to her personality.
‘She’s got a very even temper and is very focused. It’s kind of a quiet determination,? Mike said, saying his daughter has a ‘poker face? out on the court. By not letting her emotions or frustration show, Trout prevents her opponents from seeing any weakness.
Even so, Trout was not afraid to let her emotions show during the signing, where she wore a big smile on her face.