The Park City High School boys’ tennis team is filled with players with loads of talent and experience. One of the most experienced is Matt Groy.
Groy, a senior, is the captain of the team and currently plays first singles. He started playing tennis when he was about five years old. Like many young children, he tried out many sports before discovering tennis. He has been an avid tennis player ever since. He loved tennis partly because of the athletic aspect of the sport, but also because of the number of people you meet through the sport.
"My favorite part of tennis is most people’s least favorite part," he said. "I love to be able to compete with myself and my mind, and ultimately the struggle necessary to get a win. I also love to compete against other people’s minds and bodies," he said.
Groy has been on the tennis team for his entire high school career, playing varsity all four years.
During his freshman season, he played second doubles. In his sophomore year, he moved up to first doubles. Last year, as a junior, he moved up another notch to the third singles position. This year, he has advanced two positions to first singles.
Groy’s most special season so far came last year. Playing third singles, he ripped through the state tournament and eventually found himself in the championship match, facing Blake Newman of Ogden. He played a great match and was able to defeat Newman 6-2, 7-5. This match not only captured the third singles title for Groy, but also the 3A championship to the Park City Miners.
"It was one of the greatest days of my life. Helping this team win a state title, that I have been with since my freshman year, was really special," said Groy.
As this year is Groy’s senior year at Park City High School, it is also his last year playing on the team. While the Miners have a great deal of talent coming up, it will be hard to replace a player such as Groy. As a captain, Groy has demonstrated tremendous leadership.
"Matt Groy does a lot for us through his play and leadership. He always gives us his best on and off the court," said head coach Jessica Watts.
While many may only know about Groy’s success in tennis, he has also enjoyed a life in music and theatre. He has performed in high school musicals since freshman year, and has also acted in many plays at the Egyptian Theatre. He is also a very successful singer and is in the Park City High School Jazz Band.
Next year, Groy plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He expects to major in biology and minor in music. He would also like to play club sports while at UCLA, especially tennis.
No matter where life takes Groy in the future, he plans to keep tennis in his life.
Get to know Matt
Favorite class: AP Environmental Science
Favorite food: Short rib
Favorite movie: "Armageddon"
Favorite band: Mumford and Sons
Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite sports to play/watch: Golf and basketball
Favorite sports moment: Winning 3A singles
Dream job: Bio medic or engineer
Other hobbies: Music, hanging out with friends, video games, and living life
