MORGANTOWN — Kyle Hawthorne was looking for a sport to play when he found tennis.
“When I was 6, my parents made me search for a sport to play to keep me active,” he said. “I picked tennis because at that age, I loved playing ping-pong with my family, which is quite similar to tennis.”
A 2020 graduate of University High, he is currently a sophomore at Davis & Elkins College.
As a freshman last season, Hawthorne finished 3-5 in singles play and 1-1 in doubles play. He dominated at No. 4 singles against Tim Goldring of Frostburg State, winning 6-0, 6-0. He beat West Virginia State 6-3 in doubles play.
“Although there were challenges with the coronavirus such as a shortened season, my teammates and I still managed to have an amazing year together,” Hawthorne said. “I love how my team can be competitive with one another on the court, but also take little road trips together such as going to Morgantown for the weekend and visiting Audra State Park.”
COVID-19 was a challenge.
“My first semester was tough because we were required to wear masks during practice and lifting, but the second semester was much better, even though the season was very short,” Hawthorne said. “I feel like we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, though, and hope we are able to have a typical season.”
He is looking forward to his sophomore year.
“I am very excited for this season. We added a few more talented players to the roster so I am hoping we can win some big matches,” he said.
As a Hawk, Hawthorne was an all-state selection, making it to the state semifinals as a No. 1 seed. He was part of the team that finished in third place overall.
“I loved my high school team, and it was always so fun to compete at states along with my teammates,” he said. “I really miss playing doubles with my best friend and doubles partner, Andre Barcinas. Playing doubles with Andre made every match so electrifying and exciting for me.”
Playing tennis at Davis & Elkins is similar to UHS.
“Tennis at D&E is much more competitive than UHS, but they are similar because of the lifelong friends that come out of the sport,” Hawthorne said. “I made amazing friends, whether it was my teammates, coaches or even my opponents.”
The small size is one of the reasons Hawthorne chose to attend Davis & Elkins.
“I really loved the small feel of D&E and when I was touring here it really just felt like home,” he said. “The community is so friendly and humble. It feels like everybody on campus knows each other, so it’s like the people of D&E are one big family.”
Hawthorne excels academically. He was named to the Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the spring 2021 semester.
“It feels great to receive that honor because the work I put in the classroom paid off,” he said.
He is majoring in biology.
“Currently, I plan on going to med school after I finish my senior year at D&E.”
Besides tennis, Hawthorne enjoys spending time with friends.
“In my spare time I love to spend time with my friends and explore nature.”
He is the son of Barbara and Brian Hawthorne. He has one brother, Drew, as well as a dog, Henry. He is a member of Davis & Elkins Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
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