Whiz Kid: Troy Student Volleys Her Way to Tennis Success

Each week, Patch spotlights young people in the Troy community who are successful, talented and just plain awesome. Today we introduce the latest Whiz Kid:

Hope Keating

• Age: 16

• School:

• Achievement: Keating was recognized by the Troy School Board for achieving All State, All League and All Area status with the Troy High Girls Tennis Team. "Hope is an extremely hard worker on and off the court, and she strives to the best she can for the team," said Eric Sturgis, tennis coach at Troy High School. "I am grateful to have someone like Hope who is a great team player."  Hope found a good fit last season with doubles partner Kara Collins. The duo achieved a 17-8 match record and a spot on the 2011 All Area Girls Tennis Team. "We were perfect together," Keating said.

• Key to awesomeness: For the Troy High junior, tennis is a family tradition; her father and uncles are tennis pros, and her older sister plays tennis for Oakland University. Playing two hours or more a day during the season, Keating stayed on top of her game all year round with weekly matches with family members.  Though she credits her entire family with supporting her, "my dad is my number one fan," she shared. Trading tennis volleys for volleyball this school year, Keating isn't giving up hope to appear on the court in the future. Seeing a possible doubles partner in little sister Clare, Hope Keating said she would love to play both sports in college. And while she said volleyball is now where her heart is, it's clear tennis has already netted her great success.

Do you know a local young person who deserves applause because he or she does volunteer work this summer? Or perhaps athletic achievements are worth sharing. Everyone deserves attention, and we want to tell these stories. Email nominations to Editor Kevin Elliott at kevin.elliott@patch.com, provide the information shown above and include a photo with names and ages.