Notre Dame Academy, Tennis
Parents’ names: Michael Gugluizza and Rachael Gugluizza
Siblings: None
Instagram: @mgugluizza
Position or events: #1 Doubles Position
Career highlight: During sectionals of my junior season when I won my match in a tiebreaker, which clinched our team (Notre Dame) going back to Team State for the second year in a row.
At what age did you start playing your main sport?
Six years old.
Who introduced you to the sport?
One of my close friends, Aidan Burich, who was my doubles partner this past season.
How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
Extremely different and my grades have reflected that. The boys tennis season is in the spring, therefore it overlaps with my end of the year final exams. My freshman year final exams did not go too well due to not being able to find a good balance between tennis and academics. During my junior season though, my classes were the most rigorous they had ever been, but I ended up getting all A’s on my final exams that year. This was due to being able to find a good balance between my academics and tennis.
What is your favorite part about this sport?
My favorite part about tennis is the fact that it is not only an individual sport but also a team sport. I played singles in tennis my whole career up until my senior season, and I have always enjoyed singles more than doubles. I love the singles game of tennis and the fact that it is an individual sport because of the competitive drive that it gives me. I know that if I lose a match, it is on me, but I also know that if I win my match, it is because of me, which is a very satisfying feeling to know that you solely defeated your opponent because of your skill and drive to win. Tennis is the only sport that I have played where it feels like a team sport but also an individual sport, which is why I have continued to play for so long. Once I began my freshman tennis season in high school, I began to love the sport even more. I was able to be a part of an amazing team and make many new friends over the past 4 years, but I was also able to still play an individual sport where I was the only player on the court, and it was up to me whether I won or lost.
Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?
Novak Djokovic because of his competitive drive.
What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court/ice?
My mental game is definitely my biggest asset on the tennis court. Playing an individual sport, such as tennis puts a lot of pressure on yourself because it is solely up to you on if you win or lose. Many players lose their matches because they lose focus or get too angry at themselves when playing. I have always been able to stay calm and focused when playing, which I believe is one of the main reasons I have been very successful in my career.
What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experience in high school tennis is actually my first ever high school match during my freshman season. I was super nervous for my match and was down 3-7 in a tiebreaker. I ended up winning 7 straight points to win the tiebreaker 10-7, and it was one of the biggest comebacks that I had in my career.
How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth?
It’s surreal but also satisfying to look back throughout high school and see my growth. Tennis has taught me to be competitive on the court, but also with anything that I do in life. I now strive to put forward my best effort in all activities, tasks, and hobbies that I do, which has undoubtedly made me grow as a person.
Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
I really like to listen to music before my matches.
Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I just make sure to get plenty of sleep and eat healthy if I have a very important match coming up.
Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
I’d like to give a shout out to one of my coaches, Paul Miller, who was my coach for middle school and high school tennis, and is one of the main reasons for my passion and success in the sport. I’d also like to give a shout out to one of my teammates, Aidan Burich, who I have played tennis with since I was 6 years old and was my doubles partner during my senior season, in which we were state finalists.
Any hobbies outside of sports?
In the summer I love to go boating and wakesurfing with friends.
Favorite song?
Swag Surfin’ by F.L.Y.
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Water
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I was accidentally hit in the face with a tennis racket during my first ever practice when I was 6 years old, so it’s pretty surprising that I stuck with the sport after that.
Future Plans?Â
I plan to major in Finance at the University of Minnesota starting in the fall.