Wagoner High School junior Kendra Condict is moving out of her comfort zone this year.

“Kendra qualified for the state tournament the last two years as part of the #2 doubles team,” said her coach Judy Penner. “But this year I asked her to move out of her comfort zone and play #2 singles. She was hurt early in the season and has gotten to play in just one tournament so far, but she won that, so she’s adapting well.”

Condict acknowledges that the change has been a tough one, especially while trying to recover from an injury.

“Singles is a lot tougher mentally and physically, but my dad (football coach Dale Condict) told me that you just have to grit and get over it and play your best. Building up my stamina to play singles was tough but the more I’ve played, the easier it’s gotten. I do enjoy having to rely just on myself in singles.”

Kendra played softball growing up but always had an eye on tennis as her older brothers both played.

“With both of them playing I think it finally motivated me to take up tennis so I could go out and beat them,” Kendra laughed. However, she didn’t start playing seriously until she was a freshman. “I just seem to be more natural at tennis and have more confidence. Doing well in softball has always been a lot harder for me.”

Condict is also busy off the court as a member of the National Honor Society, FCCLA, Native American Club, as well as being in a leadership class and will represent the senior class next year on the student council. She doesn’t have to think very hard to pull up a favorite memory so far on the tennis court.

“It was last year at state against Lincoln Christian. It was a long, three-hour match and we won so it was the best match ever. This year I’m working on getting my first serve more consistent so I can place at state.”

With what Penner feels is a very strong team, that goal seems well within reach even for someone playing outside their comfort zone.