Shannon Rogers, An Intense, Hardnosed Player
Tiger Woods drove golf balls across the living room; Shannon Rogers pounded tennis balls off the garage door. Both athletes started working on their craft at a very young age and have since enjoyed singular success in their respective sports.
“I started playing tennis in my driveway as soon as my parents got me a racket,” said Rogers, a rising senior at Cox. “Plus the Virginia Beach Tennis Club was right in my backyard, so playing was just convenient.”
Throughout her youth Rogers shined on the courts. Whether it was in pickup games with her friends or tournaments on the weekends, it just seemed that she always won.
“At about 12 years old when I was winning tournaments in the 16 and under bracket, I realized that I might have some opportunities in tennis,” Rogers said. “I loved playing and I figured if I was good, then I should stick with it.”
When she arrived at Cox as a freshman, Rogers came in playing behind Michelle Fanny, widely regarded as not only the best tennis player at school, but also in the state. Fanny was heading into her junior year and had already secured the number one singles spot on the team.
“My goal was to successfully play the number two singles position behind Michelle and do the best I could do as a freshman,” said Rogers. “I made it to states, so I guess I accomplished that.”
This year, without Fanny leading the way, Rogers knew she would have to step up and be a leader on the team. Playing behind Fanny those first two years prepared Rogers for her time to lead.
“Playing with Michelle always taught me to want more than I can handle,” said Rogers. “I've never beaten her, and she's always been just a little bit better, so it taught me never to be satisfied.
“I don't think there was pressure on me to fill her shoes, but a big aspect of this year was moving past Michelle so that I didn't have her legacy dragging me down. I wanted to make a name for myself.”
Rogers did just that. The Falcons repeated as state champions in 2006, with Rogers advancing to the State Quarterfinals in singles and to the State Finals in doubles, pairing with senior Imee Bautista. Ever driven, Rogers still says she had more to accomplish in her final year of high school.
“I think we'll take the team state title again easily next year, but individually I want to win a state singles title,” said Rogers. “Winning a championship in doubles is also something I'm working on doing.”
And work she does. On the courts practicing for two to three hours a day during the season and preparing for tournaments, Rogers has the commitment it takes to be a champion. It's her love of the sport that makes spending so much time on tennis easy.
“Tennis gives me so much,” Rogers said. “I get to meet so many cool people and win a bunch of trophies. It treats me well, so I like to do it.”
