The ALTA Foundation issues tens of thousands of dollars each year in the form of grants and scholarships, thanks to your donations. One of the foundation’s major accomplishments is the recognition of the L. Keith Wood Scholarship recipients.
“What struck me about this year’s class of scholarship winners is not only their academic accomplishments, but the significant and varied interests in addition to tennis that each one exhibited,” said ALTA Foundation President Terry Godbold. “Especially noteworthy was each student’s desire to help others by volunteering in a variety of areas.”
Carter Contractor
Out of all the years of school, which year was your favorite and why? Senior year because I spent a lot more time hanging out with my friends than in years past since this is the last year of high school.
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? My backhand slice because it is the shot I have the most control over.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Daniil Medvedev because he flops around like he’s never touched a racquet before, but he covers the court so well and made it to world number 1!
What talent do you have that most people don’t know about? I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds.
What is the best vacation you ever had? Best vacation I ever had was to Banff, Canada. Very beautiful place, and they had tennis courts too.
Sophia Shih
What is the best vacation you ever had? When I went to China for the first time. It was two years ago, and I was finally able to visit my parents’ birth country. I was also able to see my grandparents who have been in China ever since COVID. I had so much fun exploring the cities and countryside with my family.
Do you speak any languages other than English? I speak Chinese/Mandarin. I learned when I was really young since my grandparents would come to visit, so it was the only way I could communicate with them.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Coco Gauff. She is such an inspiration. I remember specifically watching her play against Osaka at the US Open as a 15-year-old girl. I was so impressed by how she conducted herself. It was especially amazing being able to watch her a few years later come back to the US Open to win the whole thing. Her willingness to never give up and always stand up for herself have become things that I want to pursue in my own life.
Harris Unell
Out of all the years of school, which year was your favorite and why? My senior year, because of senior perks, privileges, and activities such as senior celebrations, preferred seating at sporting events, graduation parties, and Prom (where I won Prom King).
What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud? While watching the Kentucky Derby, my friend said, “I didn’t know this was a horse race!”
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Federer because he was the first tennis player I ever watched.
What talent do you have that most people don’t know about? I can do the splits and put my feet behind my head.
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? My inside out forehand because I hit it really well.
Kate Joyner
What’s your favorite holiday and why? Easter because of the food and colors.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Coco Gauff because she’s from Atlanta.
What talent do you have that most people don’t know about? I’m a good swimmer.
What was the first thing you said you wanted to be when you grew up? Teacher
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? Backhand because it has power.
Out of all the years of school, which year was your favorite and why? Fifth grade because I liked my teacher and class and it was super fun.
Ryals Earnhardt
Is there anything you would like the ALTA membership and broader community to know about you as you head off to school? I have really loved my experiences with ALTA and recommend it to all!
What’s your favorite holiday and why? Christmas because I get to see my whole family.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Sinner because of his game style and overall mindset.
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? Definitely my serve. I’m 6’5, so my height gives me a big advantage.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Working as an additive manufacture engineer at NASA.
Do you live by a particular piece of advice or motto? Don’t chase perfection; it’s impossible.
Myra Wu
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Hsieh Su-wei. My dad and I would always watch her play doubles together and loved seeing her two-handed forehand and backhand.
Out of all the years of school, which year was your favorite and why? Kindergarten because we had a lot of parties and no studying.
What movie or song title best describes your life? “Slow Down” by Laufey
A Genie grants you three wishes, what are they? 1) My dog lives as long as I do. 2) Every time I blink, I get $1 million dollars. 3) Live a happy and fulfilling life.
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? My backhand because I’ve always liked using two hands more than one.
Cameron Nix
Is there anything you would like the ALTA membership and broader community to know about you as you head off to school? I plan to attend The University of Alabama where I will major in public relations with a minor in sports media. I also intend to be cast in the Crimson Tide Productions program to practice live sports reporting.
What’s your favorite holiday and why? Christmas because of all the love and joy that it brings to people. I love giving gifts to my family and friends, so seeing their reactions always makes me happy!
What was the first thing you said you wanted to be when you grew up? My mom was a nurse midwife, so I wanted to be her.
Do you live by a particular piece of advice or motto? Even if you are unsure of the outcome, take the risk because you never know what other doors it could open.
Grayson Perlman
Is there anything you would like the ALTA membership and broader community to know about you as you head off to school? I’m excited to attend Auburn and major in business!
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? Nick Kyrgios because of his playing style.
What was the first thing you said you wanted to be when you grew up? Police officer
A Genie grants you three wishes, what are they? Peace, money, happiness.
What do you consider to be your best tennis stroke and why? Serve — it’s fast!
