Sports
Tianyu Bao, Bayshore Boys Tennis
Bao played in the individual No. 1 singles semifinals at the 2009 Class 3A FHSAA Finals. Last year, he led the Bruins to a Class 2A-District 9 title and advanced to the championship match in No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles at state.
How were you introduced to tennis?: When I was 7 or so, I had asthma and needed physical activity. My dad suggested that I play tennis.
Was tennis a difficult sport for a child with asthma?: Well, I had to do something. When I started playing tennis and doing physical activities, I got better.
How tall are you?: 6-foot-5.
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How does your height help your game?: I serve harder and I can hit harder. When I come to the net, I have a longer wingspan. I can cover more court.
You were born in China. When did you come to the United States?: I'm pretty sure it was 2006.
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Did you speak English before you came to the United States?: Just a little bit.
How long did it take you to become fluent in English?: Like, a year.
How many languages do you speak?: Chinese and English. A little bit of Spanish. Just the tiny little bit from (Spanish) class.
You signed a national letter of intent last fall to attend Florida Gulf Coast University on a tennis scholarship. Why did you select Florida Gulf Coast?: It is a good school and the tennis program just turned (NCAA) Division I this year. They are starting to get better and better every year. They have great coaches. Their assistant coach, Mark Dickson, used to be ranked among the top 20 in the world. I think the coaches are great and that they can really help out my game. Plus, I can go to college and study. It benefits me in two areas.
What are your goals for this season?: Right now, I have to get my No. 1 singles back from (teammate) Pedro (Garcia). I didn't have a good day (when the two played). Pedro has gotten better. He has been playing well, but I think I have a shot to get my No. 1 back. I'm looking to win the district because I've won the district the last two years and I want to three-peat and go to state. Hopefully, I can win (a state title) because I've done better and better each year.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite TV show: Just anything about sports. ESPN, SportsCenter and tennis. Anything related to sports.
Besides tennis, what is your favorite sport to watch?: Football and basketball.
Favorite athlete: I want to say Yao Ming, but he has been injured for the last year. Right now, I would say Josh Freeman from the Tampa Bay Bucs.
