ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kaden Funk

The Olympia Titans boys tennis team is off to a strong start at 4-0 this season, and leading the way is junior Kaden Funk. The reigning Class 4A Singles Champion from 2014 won all three of his singles matches during the first week of the season and has won 32 consecutive matches, dating back to his freshman season.

How does it feel to have gotten off to a strong start to your junior season?

It’s really good — it’s positive to see. Last year, I did really well at states, and I feel like this year we’re out for blood. Not just me but the whole team. So we’re coming out this year really excited and hoping to play some really good tennis.

What’s it like to win state as a sophomore?

It was a great experience. I felt like I learned a lot — not only on the court but also outside of the court. It was also great to represent my school and my friends and the guys on the team.

Would it be fair to assume that one of your goals for this season is to repeat as a state champion?

Of course, that’s always a goal. But, within that, I have a couple smaller goals that I try to work toward every day.

What are your hopes for the team?

Definitely a goal of ours is to go to states (as a team), and I think we’re in line to do that this year.  … We’re looking hopefully to place in the top three this year.

You don’t necessarily have to play varsity tennis to be successful in the sport, so what do you like about playing for Olympia?

Tennis is such an individual sport that when you put in the aspect of high-school tennis, it’s for something bigger than yourself. It’s more of a team atmosphere, and you go out there and have fun with your guys.

When did you pick up tennis, and when did you become passionate about it?

From a really early age, I think 7, I started playing tennis, and I just started playing tournaments. I stuck with it, and I like it.

With the busy schedule that you play for USTA competition, what are some cool places you’ve been through tennis?

I’ve been to California. It was a great experience. … We went to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and that was a great experience. … Just kind of all over the United States.

During the school day, which class do you like the best?

I would say my favorite class in school would probably be psychology. It plays a big role in how we think and how we act, and tennis, as everyone knows, is really mental.

What do you think you’d like to do for a career?

I think I want to go Ivy League for tennis, but I don’t quite know. I think I want to go business or medical (for a field of study).

Do you have any hobbies?

I live on a lake, so I wakeboard a little bit. Hanging out with my friends and then just going out on the boat is a fun thing to do.

What’s your favorite sport — aside from tennis — to watch on television?

I would say football — my brother goes to Auburn, and I love watching them on TV.

Your older brother and sister are both playing sports in college. Does that motivate you as you navigate through your high-school career?

It’s just positive to see that my siblings are very successful in their sports, and it’s a good atmosphere that we have in our family. Athletically and also in school, we just all do very well. It’s just a level of excellence that I seek to pursue.