MPH in the Media

Falling back to give back

Steven Williams of Manlius Pebble Hill knows what he wants and is doing what’s necessary to get it.

After concentrating exclusively on national and regional tennis competitions for the last four years, Williams had a change of heart this spring.

The nationally ranked singles player didn’t want to miss out on representing his school during his senior year. So the 18-year-old rearranged his tournament schedule to suit up for the Trojans and take a shot at winning a state title.

“It’s my last year and I want to help the team win sectionals again and hopefully win a state championship,” Williams said. “No one in Syracuse has ever won a singles state championship. I’m probably one of the favorites going into states.”

Williams, of Manlius, is considered the top singles player in Section III, and his decision to play at the varsity level is a net gain for the Trojans, the defending Patriot Conference champs.

Privately coached by Marc and Mario Silva at Eastside Racquet Club, Williams peaked at No. 34 in the United States Tennis Association’s 18-under singles rankings this year. But he cut back on USTA events this spring to compete for MPH, where he’s been a student since the fourth grade.

“Every year I’ve been debating it (to play varsity),” Williams said. “So I gave up a few tournaments to play high school tennis here. I wanted to give back to MPH because they’ve done so much for me.”

With a rocket serve and a ripping forehand that generates incredible power, Williams is punishing tennis balls and opponents this spring. He’s won all eight of his matches in straight sets, dropping only six games. In an April 24 match against LaFayette, Williams surrendered just five points in his 28-minute win against Benjamin Nash, 6-0, 6-0.

“He’s like nothing else in Class C tennis,” Nash said. “He hits so much harder and his swings and his serves are so much faster.”

Williams’ serve can hit 110 mph with new tennis balls. During warmups before the LaFayette match, teammates were defenseless against Williams’ overhand lasers.

“At least I got a racket on that one,” one teammate said after finally making contact with one of Williams’ serves.

Williams concedes playing first singles in the Patriot Conference is a far cry from competing against the country’s top amateur players on the USTA circuit. But MPH coach Maureen Anderson said the technically superior Williams has adapted to the competitive dropoff with decorum.

“He’s shown exceptional sportsmanship,” Anderson said.
“I just focus on winning the match,” he said. “That’s it. Yes, some of the players aren’t up to my level. But you know I just go out there and try to win the match. “

After years of individual competition, Williams is enjoying being a part of a team and the solidarity that goes with it.

“Everyone winning together and losing together,” he said. “Just feeling all the emotion. Someone always has your back.”

Anderson said Williams is like having an extra coach on the court.

“He’s been a great team member,” MPH coach Maureen Anderson said. “He’s very good with the other boys, they look up to him.”