Senior Spotlight: Madeline Vinas

Madeline Vinas initially started playing tennis at the age of five because it looked like a fun sport to be involved in. When she came to Palmer Trinity in the sixth grade, Vinas decided to join the Middle School team. That Falcons team in the spring of 2017 only had three girls, not even enough to be technically considered a team or compete in the South Florida Middle School Conference. However, that did not stop Vinas and her teammates. “We enjoyed playing together even if it was just for fun.”

Now, a fourth-year Varsity Tennis player and a team captain, Vinas looks back on her journey. “I joined this community for the fun and nice people and that made me enjoy the game even more.” Through the years, Vinas has been adamant to ensure that she is always having fun and helps to pick the team up when they struggle. “We never let ourselves get too upset over a loss and encourage each other to keep going,” Vinas recalls, also mentioning Varsity Head Coach Kevin Chow encourages a similar mindset. “He always believes in us and sees the potential in all of us.” Vinas tries to spread this positive message to younger Falcons, emphasizing the importance of getting involved, creating lifelong friendships and memories, and sticking through it when the going gets tough.

In an individual sport, sometimes it can be tough to find a sense of team unity and togetherness, but Vinas is quick to refute that idea. By encouraging each other and supporting all members of the team during their matches, the team stays connected and keeps spirits up. Additionally, Vinas states that her favorite memories of the team are the bus rides where she is able to bond with her teammates and the celebrations that ensue after a victory.

When she’s not out on the court, Vinas likes spending time with friends and going to yoga. She has been heavily involved in Breakthrough Miami in her time at Palmer Trinity and also volunteers her time for Bake a Wish where she helps bake cakes for underprivileged children on their birthdays. Vinas’s favorite movie is The Great Gatsby, favorite food is sushi and boba tea, and favorite artists are Tyler the Creator and Tame Impala. Vinas looks forward to studying Psychology at Clemson University and hopes to one day work for the FBI.

Good luck to Madeline and the rest of the Varsity Tennis team as they compete this week through the rest of the FHSAA State Series.

Go Falcons!