By Ian Rapoport
Staff Writer
Even after breaking his arm, freshman Joey Rotheram decided to push through and prove his worth in tennis to the Mustangs.
Freshman Joey Rotheram’s talent for tennis has rewarded him with a starting varsity position in the current spring season. However, what distinguishes Rotheram amongst his peers is his success while playing with a broken left arm.
“I just really love tennis,” Rotheram said. “I wasn’t going to let this get in the way of what I love to do.”
While spending ski week in Snow Valley, California, Rotheram decided to test his skills in the terrain park. While taking advantage of the mountains jumps and obstacles Rotheram crashed and broke his arm on Feb. 19. Instead of spending the season on the bench and letting his wound heal, he has pushed through and continues to compete for Costa.
“When it happened I was more concerned of getting run over by one of the other riders and just getting out,” Rotheram said. “Once I realized it was broken I was worried I wouldn’t be able to play. Fortunately it turned out only to be a minor fracture so it could have been worse.”
Rotheram originally thought his state would be a detriment to his performance, but it ended up being quite the opposite. The loss of one arm now forces him to try new playing style and become a more well rounded player.
“My backhand used to be one of my weaker aspects but now I have been able to focus on and tune it,” Rotheram said. “It was actually kind of a good thing I broke it because I have learned to ease the shots I don’t use as much and have really just made my game more complete.”
Joey started his tennis career later than most, at age nine. He was first introduced to the sport when his friend asked him to come play at the Manhattan Beach Country Club.
“It only took me one match to be pulled in,” Rotheram said. “It was a lot of fun just rallying the ball and I liked how it was a mostly individual sport. If you mess up you can’t blame it on anyone else, making it more exciting.”
Rotheram began to become more devoted to the sport. He has competed in multiple tournaments in the United States Tennis Association and his love has sent across the country from Arizona to Florida. He was a finalist in the Northridge Spring Junior 16 boys, the Lakewood Tennis Center Junior Open and the West Coast South Bay Open Boy’s 16 tournaments. Rotheram was the champion in the Annual Northridge Spring Junior 16 boys and the Upland Tennis Club Junior Open boy’s 12 tournaments.
“I got a lot out of exploring all these different areas,” Rotheram said. “Each locale offered a unique place to compete. Overall I’ve been doing pretty well but I have also lost many matches and have a lot to learn to become a better player.”
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has been Rotheram’s leading influence. Nadal is currently ranked Number 4 by the Association of Tennis Professionals and, like Joey, has continued to play even when hurt.
“He is a real fighter,” Rotheram said. “He is constantly working hard and always able to push right through his injuries. He has been really inspirational for my performance.”
Joey’s short time with the Mustangs has already proved successful for him. He is one of the team’s highest scorers. The team is currently undefeated and hopes to have a solid season.
“I have greatly enjoyed the competition in Bay League and it is a great feeling to win,” Rotheram said. “It has been great being on the winning team, it happens to be a lot better than losing.”
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