FINLEY STONE – Muskogee High School
Muskogee High School senior Finley Stone has built his tennis career on a steady mindset and a love for competition, traits he says were shaped by one of the sport’s greatest champions.
“I have always been greatly inspired by the tennis player Roger Federer because of his calm demeanor and effortless shots,” Stone said. “Athletics has taught me how discipline and hard work always create a meaningful experience and no matter if I’m losing or winning, I’m still becoming a stronger tennis player and person.”
Stone, a math-loving senior whose favorite teacher was Glen Bibelheimer from his sophomore year, has grown into one of the key players for the Muskogee boy’s tennis program. He said he enjoys the individual challenge of singles but also values the security that comes from competing alongside teammates. “I like being a part of a team because it can make things less stressful because I know that they will support me no matter what the outcome,” Stone said.
Some of the toughest moments, he said, come between points. Close line calls can quickly change the mood on court. “Sometimes calling shots out when they’re close can be overwhelming because opponents like to argue with you or call a judge to add more pressure,” Stone said. To stay composed, he relies on a pre-match routine built around quiet focus. “In pre-game, I warm myself up by meditating and stretching to make sure I’m relaxed in my matches,” he said.
One of Stone’s favorite memories came during his sophomore year, when he and his doubles partner upset a powerful Jenks duo. “It’s so meaningful to me because it showed me that it was possible to win against these tougher schools,” he said. As he heads into his final season, Stone said he is eager to face the best competition Oklahoma has to offer. “I look forward to playing all of the challenging opponents from tough schools, because I know I can learn something from each encounter,” he said. “I am very excited to play my best this season.”
