Sunnyside tennis star serves as valedictorian

His backhand may need some work, but when it comes to being a successful student, tennis player and person, the ball is totally in Arturo Prieto’s court.

Prieto, 18, a senior at Sunnyside High School, has been captain of the varsity tennis team for two years. Soon he’ll have to give up his position when he graduates and moves on to the UA.

He plans to continue with tennis while he furthers his education. “They’re a tough team, but I’ll try out,” Prieto said. He hopes to study biology at the UA and possibly get into a research program.

Prieto’s love of tennis started when he was a freshman. His mother played the sport and encouraged him to go for it. He got a Prince Thunder 850 tennis racket and the rest is history.

Before moving on to college, Prieto’s got his sights set on the 4A Sonoran Region tournament.“Hopefully, I’ll make it to state this year,” he said.

Last year he made it to the 4A state tournament’s second round and then lost. This year he hopes to go much further. “I think I’m a much better player now.”

Prieto is very humble about his tennis abilities, but his track record speaks for itself. He tried out for the varsity tennis team as a freshman and made it. By the time his freshman season was in full gear, he was already ranked third on the team. Now he’s No. 1.“I’m not really good at one thing. I’m average at everything,” Prieto said.

His teachers and parents wouldn’t agree. Not only does he dedicate close to three hours on the court per day, he also helps out his school by welding things in class, such as tables. This year, he made 15 tables for Sunnyside.

Prieto enrolled in a welding class because nothing else would fit into his schedule. It’s become a favorite hobby.

“I think I’ll weld some things at home during spring break,” Prieto said. “I want to make a picnic table for the house.”

Prieto is also valedictorian, president of National Honor Society and an APEX member. He spends much of his free time visiting the elderly and working with his church youth group.

And if that’s not enough, he was also listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” maintains a very high GPA and served in the Boys State House of Representatives.

Prieta also has picked up a few scholarships along the way, one of them being the UA President’s Award.

Not too shabby, and definitely not average.

Chad Seitsinger is a senior at Palo Verde High Magnet School.