May 4th, 2023
Get to Know the Players at the FHSAA 2023 State Championships: Sohan Gummadi & Raphael Sogueco
At the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association Tennis State Championships, USTA Florida caught up with two seniors from Bolles High School, Sohan Gummadi and Raphael Sogueco. Hear what they had to say about their journey in tennis, the season, what’s next and more.
Rapid Fire Questions
Q: How long have you guys been playing tennis?
A: We’ve both been playing for around six years.
Q: What’s your favorite part about playing on a high school tennis team?
Raphael: For me, it’s the camaraderie and just being around people that I love to play with. It’s been a blast here.
Sohna: It’s the tight matches, when atmosphere is tense. I think that’s what really makes tennis states my favorite part of the year.
Q: Do you two have any favorite memories this season?
Raphael: My favorite feeling actually is when I hit a great shot. Having my whole team behind me, even my coach – I love it. Especially since we have a limited number of games, we have to make every single one count.
Sohan: I would say for me it was in one of our last matches that we played together. We both played extremely well. I think that final clinching play was one of the best moments I’ve had in a long time.
Q: Do you guys have any plans to continue playing tennis after high school.
Sohan: I want to keep playing, probably in a college club and getting to hang out with my friends playing tennis.
Raphael: Same here.
Q: Do you have anyone do you attribute your success to a mentor or a coach?
Sohan: My parents, they really pushed me to be the best that I can be in tennis. They’ve also been there to console me in my losses and also support me in my wins.
Raphael: Same here, specifically my mother, because sophomore year I didn’t make this team, so she consoled me and helped me persevere to make the team. Now I’m playing number four, and her support has really helped.
Q: What life lessons have this team taught?
Raphael: Being on the team has taught me to not only care about myself, but to also care about other people and how they do, and persevere when the going gets tough.
Sohan: The best thing that tennis has taught me is that sometimes these things don’t come easy in life most of the time. I think no matter what, you can put in all the hours, all the work, and some things just don’t really go your way and that’s okay. Eventually, after a long time of playing tennis, it took me more than five, six years, to get to a level where I feel like I’m playing consistently well all the time.
Q: Can you say one nice thing about the other person?
Sohan: This guy, he has great style. I think overall fashion he just is really good at it compared to me.
Raphael: There’s a lot of good things about him. But, I really like you as a leader.
Interested in playing high school tennis next season? Visit ustaflorida.com/youth-tennis for all the latest information.
