Brady Stump, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern, has been a key part of the Varsity tennis team since his freshman year. Now, his younger brother Parker, a freshman, has earned his spot on Varsity as well, looking to carry on the family tradition and follow in Brady’s footsteps.
When asking the brothers how they feel about playing together, they both think that the best part about being on a team with your brother is the fact that “when [they] are doing good, [they] are doing good together.” Brady says. “We are able to hype each other up and sort of share that energy.” Not only playing together, but practice as well. The brothers say that they train almost everything together, apart from being with a private coach working on what they need individually, but most of the time they are hitting together or playing against each other.
Both playing singles, the two of them have been fighting for the 1 spot all season. Fighting for a spot with anyone isn’t easy, especially when it’s your own blood. Brady admits that competition is a big part of their life. “Especially in tennis where we are very close in level,” he says, “anything can happen so we are always trying to beat each other”
It’s not always a competition though, when asked about their favorite memories together, the brothers shared a story in the summer when they were playing in a tournament. “We were playing against the one and two at Westfield, who we know pretty well. It was the type of tournament where you aren’t supposed to be very loud.” Brady shares, “but we were playing next to each other and just hyping each other up, being loud which isn’t common at these things. The best part about it was that we both won and moved on.” Parker recalls.
Their skill level on the court is very similar, their personalities, not so much. “[Brady] is more of a crowd pleaser.” Parker says. “I usually more focus on my match than the crowd.” This could have a correlation with their age, with Brady being older and having more varsity experience. As Parker moves further into his tennis career, we may see him grow into that more vocal type of player.
Currently, both of the Stump brothers hold a winning record this school season. Looking ahead, they both have some big goals while they near the end of the season. “I would say winning conference this week is a big one” Parker notes. While this will be Parker’s first shot at it, Brady placed 5th his freshman year and 3rd his sophomore year. He’s looking to place higher this year. Thinking even bigger, “The [State Finals] run is pretty important to me” Brady points out. “As well as hopefully making the singles tournament for the state draw.”
The Hamilton Southeastern tennis team has just a few more matches this season, including the Hamilton County Conference tournament this week (September 18th and 20th). Soon after, on October 1st, they start their state run with IHSAA Sectionals. Follow along to see if the Stump brothers fulfill their goal of making it to the State Finals.