William Tang began playing tennis at the age of nine. Now a senior, he reflects on his best memories with the Oak Park High School boys tennis team.
“In sophomore year, we had a match against Brentwood and took them down 10-8,” Tang said. “And then in junior year, we had a good CIF run where we went pretty deep, and we took down the No. 1 seed–Portola–in quarters. The matches are always fun, especially the close ones.”
Beyond the thrill of competition, Tang treasures the friendships he has built over the years. His favorite part of being on the team is spending time with the seniors he’s grown close to and making new friends among the underclassmen.
“Sometimes, we call each other up to play tennis outside of practice,” Tang said. “It’s pretty chill; there’s not a lot of pressure and we’re all having fun.”
On a recent trip to the Indian Wells Open, Tang and the other seniors had the chance to watch world-class tennis up close. There, he saw one of his favorite players, Felix Auger Aliassime, compete.
“It was really fun to watch the matches in-person, see the top players and experience the atmosphere,” Tang said.
While playing with the other team members has been fun and full of camaraderie, Tang acknowledges that it hasn’t always been easy.
“My most difficult experience on the team would be trying to make varsity over the years, and just putting in the work,” Tang said. “During times like tryouts or big matches, the pressure does really get to you, and I’ve been trying to overcome that.”
Teammates praise Tang not only for his relentless effort but also for the way he motivates others.
“William is an incredibly hardworking tennis player who consistently puts in a lot of time and effort on the court,” senior Ayush Kodur said. “He’s an uplifting and supportive teammate who always encourages those around him.”
When asked what he lives by, Tang would point to a quote from the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius: “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” The line reveals his desire to push past his comfort zone and embrace meaningful experiences.
“I don’t want to not do something when an opportunity is given just because I’m afraid,” Tang said. “I want to live life to the fullest. I want to make an impact on the world. And I want to live life with purpose.”
Whether he’s exploring nature or capturing the world through his lens, Tang is always looking for a new perspective. He’s traveled to places like Joshua Tree National Park and the Topatopa Mountains in Ojai, where he spends nights photographing the Milky Way.
“I can’t live without my camera because it’s my most valuable possession by far and I love using it,” Tang said. “It’s been through a lot with me on my journey.”
As president of the GeoGuessr Club at Oak Park High School, Tang finds both relaxation and excitement in the geography game, often immersing himself in its complex challenges and maps. He even occasionally brings that enthusiasm to seventh-period AP US History.
“Not only is it educational, but it also brings everyone together very well,” Tang said. “You don’t need to have a lot of prior experience. I also love how you can learn all the minuscule, interesting details of cultures and countries around the world.”
The focus and perseverance Tang has developed through tennis reflect a mindset he hopes to carry into the future.
“Tennis really teaches you that you have to move onto the next point, the next match, the next game. And I think that’s a very important life lesson.”
This article is part of a larger collection of stories covering the boys tennis seniors. Check out the other seniors in the sports section on our website.
