ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tate Keber has learned a lot about life on the tennis court.

The St. Petersburg High School senior was the girls’ overall singles finalist in the state and a semi-finalist in doubles, adding to her impressive accomplishments at the state level. 

What You Need To Know

  • St. Petersburg High senior Tate Keber is salutatorian of her class and a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and tennis

  • Keber was the girls overall singles finalist in the state and a semi-finalist in doubles

  • She also has a passion for coaching tennis

“I absolutely love it. I think it teaches you so many life lessons. Whether it’s discipline, controlling your emotions, respect. It can be individual and a team sport, so it teaches you camaraderie,” Keber said.

But more than the medals she’s earned, it’s the connections on the court that mean the most. 

“I’m honestly most proud of the relationships I’ve built with the teams. I mean, yes, I’ve gone to states and have state titles, tournament wins, but the friendships I’ve made and the coaches…the people I’ve met through this sport are phenomenal.”

Keber’s work ethic is visible on the court and in the classroom. 

“With it being a very intense sport, I’ve learned to apply it to my academics.”

She’s salutatorian of her class. Head Coach Joan Simmons says her dedication is unmatched.

“Tate’s a leader, she’s phenomenal leader and competitor on the tennis court as well as the volleyball court,” Simmons said. “She’s not one-dimensional. She is multi-dimensional.”

She also has a passion for coaching tennis.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Keber said.

She’s taught the fundamentals of the game for the past five years. 

“I hope to continue coaching and possibly get my coaching license because I absolutely love teaching the sport. And teaching the fun aspects of it,” Keber explained. “It can be taken so seriously, and I want kids to learn how to have fun with it first and then develop from there.”

When Keber was injured this season, she stepped up as a secondary coach. 

“She’s done everything she could to develop the team, she would go out and work out with them,” Simmons said. “So even when she wasn’t playing, she was still attending the practices and the matches, which is unusual for a person of her caliber and her talent.”

A true team leader who earned the respect of her peers, and was also voted prom queen.

“I don’t think you could find one person to say an ill word about her and for tennis being such an individual and competitive sport, that’s saying a lot,” Simmons said.

She has set the foundation for future success on and off the court.