For Puma sophomore Sam Miyata, tennis is a way of life. Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona where the sun always shines, Miyata has been playing tennis for as long as he can remember. He first picked up a racket at the age of four, culminating in being named the 2022-2023 Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
“I was surprised, but also honored to be chosen because there are a lot of very hard working players in the region,” Miyata said, who was 3-2 in regular season singles play, and is currently ranked 34th in the country by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
“Sam has been the number one singles player at PVCC for the past two years and was consolation champion last year at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tennis Nationals,” said Jim Paajanen, PVCC tennis coach. “Far beyond his tennis skill, Sam is very much a team player, courteous, respectful, and an encouragement to teammates. He is one of those special individuals that I have had the privilege to coach.”
Miyata played for fun until he was 10, when he began to compete and travel in various tournaments. As a freshman at Cactus Shadow High School, Miyata won state with his doubles partner. After breaking his hand at 16 years old, Miyata stepped away from tennis for a short time.
“When I came to PVCC, I decided to walk on to the PVCC team just for fun. I never expected to have such a competitive experience, but I’ve appreciated every day playing for the team and am lucky to have such a dedicated coach and teammates,” Miyata said. “For me, tennis is a lifestyle and will always be my passion.”
Miyata is studying business and plans to transfer to a four year university after PVCC. He hopes to continue playing tennis at the university level as well.
For more information on PVCC Athletics and the tennis program, visit our website.