VIDEO GAME SPARKS A TENNIS CAREER FOR BRIAN BULLOCK

Ardrey Kell High School sophomore Brian Bullock never imagined that a game of Super Mario Tennis on the Nintendo 64 game system would be the start of a sparkling tennis career.  After playing a few games on the video system when he was nine,  Brian told his mother, Michelle how he wanted to learn to play the actual game.  Michelle purchased a racquet and found a tennis coach and the rest is history.

The son of Charles and Michelle Bullock is now one of the leading players on the Ardrey Kell tennis team.  His efforts have helped the Knights to develop a number three ranking statewide.

Once Brian took to the court, the sport seemed to come as natural in real life as on the video game.  He worked hard and improved every day.  With success as a junior, Brian earned the opportunity to train at the famed Bollettieri Academy and with Clemson University Head Coach Chuck Kriese.  The last few years have helped Brian to improve and gain an appreciation for the sport of tennis.

It’s exciting for Brian when he takes the court.

“I really enjoy the fact that tennis is an individual sport, there is no one else out there to help in singles.”

Brian would love to see The Knights win a state championship.  He knows the talent is in place for the team to contend.

“We are trying to take the season one match at a time, win the conference and then we want to win the state championship.  It’s very exciting to know we have such a strong team.”

In addition to becoming a successful tennis player, Brian also plays basketball for Ardrey Kell High School.  He is a guard on the junior varsity team and also has played AAU basketball for the Charlotte Storm.  Brian says his strength is his mid-range jump shot and he hopes to contend for a position on the varsity roster next winter.

Inside the classroom, Brian carries a 3.2 grade point average and enjoys Biology class.  He hopes to eventually earn a college scholarship in tennis or basketball. 

Imagine that, playing video games leading to a college scholarship…..