Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Juan Bianchi

Olympia High senior Juan Bianchi has been a staple for the boys tennis team throughout his high-school career. Bianchi is undefeated this season and, as of April 25, had a whopping 64-2 record spanning four years. Coach Bubba James praised Bianchi for his leadership and time-management skills, adding that he holds a 5.2 weighted GPA.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I started when I was 3. My dad played professional tennis and he represented Venezuela in the Davis Cup and went to the 1996 Olympics, so he was the main influence there. I love the sport, being out there alone is fun. You have to learn to handle your own problems and emotions to get through your problems.

What’s the most challenging aspect of the game?

Learning to be able to stay positive on the court even though things might not always go your way. You have to be your own cheerleader, you’re there alone, so you can’t put yourself down just because something might not be going right on a certain day. 

Has there been a match during your high-school career that was a highlight for you?

Lake Mary last year. I was losing 5-2 and my match was a decider, so whoever won the match would win the meet between Lake Mary and Olympia. I ended up coming back and winning 8-5.

What is different about this senior season, as far as your perspective on it?

I guess since high-school tennis is different and you’re a team, kind of leaving an impact for the rest of the guys who are staying and showing them what the Olympia mottos are — integrity, honesty, determination — those kind of things show what the team is about. I want to leave my mark.

Where are you taking your career next?

I committed to play tennis at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and I’m excited for that. I took my official visit to SMU in November and it was something I really liked. I’m going to be studying economics and finances.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you during a match?

My shoe fell off during one of my matches. I started sprinting and when I went to change direction and sprint again my shoe fell off and I had to continue playing the point. I’m pretty sure I won it, but I left my shoe behind.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Me and my dad have this saying, ‘Whatever it takes.’ It’s kind of to push yourself past what you think are your limits, because sometimes you might be down on yourself and you might not think there’s a solution to a problem but if your really dig deep and try to put it all behind you there’s always a way to get through a problem.

Do you have a favorite musical artist?

I do like a lot of different music, but for an artist I’d probably say Post Malone is my favorite. My favorite song is “I Fall Apart.” 

What are your summer plans?

I’ll probably be playing in a lot of tournaments over the summer and I’ll be traveling. I’ll be going to Philadelphia to play the International Grass Court Championship and I’m excited for that, but I’ll be training and playing a lot of tournaments to get ready for SMU.

Besides tennis, what are your other go-to hobbies?

I’m a super sporty guy, so anything sport-wise I love. I actually played baseball on a travel team up until my freshman year, when I kind of had to decide whether I wanted to play tennis or baseball. Anything that’s outdoors, I’m all for it.