TULSA – Cherokee Nation citizen Warner Collins, 14, topped the field at the North American Indian Tennis Association tournament during Memorial Day weekend, winning the 14U Singles National Championship in Tulsa.
Collins said the event stood out from other tournaments he has entered because of the opponents on the opposing side of the net.
“It was really cool being at the tournament specifically for Native players and meeting people from around the country,” Collins said. “They were very nice to me even though I was one of the youngest players there.”
Collins said the chance to compete in an NAITA event drew him back into play after taking a break from traveling competition.
“I used to travel and compete in tennis tournaments, and having the opportunity to play for NAITA came along,” he said. “I wanted to support the tournament and also have the chance to play again.”
Born in Tulsa, Collins enters Metro Christian Academy this fall as a freshman. Outside tennis, he keeps goal for his club soccer team and plays football. Schoolwork remains the top priority, with his sights set on a future in medicine.
“Doing well in school is very important to me, and I plan to become an anesthesiologist as an adult,” Collins said. “I am really excited about the scholarship opportunities Cherokee Nation is offering for students pursuing medical careers.”
When playing tennis, Collins said his favorite moments come from chasing down a play most players would write off.
“The greatest satisfaction comes from getting to a ball that most people think I can’t get to,” he said.
Singles play appeals to him because he alone controls the style of play, though he said doubles has its rewards.
“I am responsible for the outcome of the match when I play singles, but playing doubles is more fun because I can play with a friend,” Collins said.
Collins’ lineage traces to Lewis Downing, widely credited by Cherokee historians for his guidance of the Cherokee Nation as it healed from internal schisms inflamed by the American Civil War. Downing served as principal chief from 1867 to 1872. Such awareness influences how Collins competes.
“I am a descendant of Lewis Downing and am inspired by his legacy of strength, faith and leadership,” he said. “I am very competitive, but playing with honor and making accurate line calls is more important to me than winning.”
He won’t be the only member of his family playing tennis at Metro Christian in the coming academic year. His sister Caroline will be a senior on the girls’ team.
“I am really looking forward to playing on the same team as her,” Collins said.