All-Area Boys' Tennis Player of the Year: Old Lyme's Morgan White

Morgan White won't have any trouble getting motivated for his senior season. He's ready to go right now.

For although he's had three highly successful seasons playing for the boys' tennis team at Old Lyme High School, the one thing he hasn't accomplished might just give him a built-in edge next season.

His junior season ended with a 28-1 record. It included his second straight Shoreline Conference singles title, leading the Wildcats to the Shoreline title as well, and his second straight appearance in the CIAC Class S singles final. That's where his loss came, falling to Chandler Libby of Granby, 6-4, 6-2. As a sophomore, he lost to Griswold's Brandon Roode in the S final.

"My parents are always saying 'Look at your accomplishments,''' White said. "But making it to the finals isn't enough. It would be great to win the finals my senior year.

"It sets me up to really commit myself to train hard for next season. It may just give me that extra push.''

Of course, what he's already done is good enough to make him an all-stater for the second straight season and The Day's 2012 All-Area Boys' Tennis Player of the Year. White also made The Day's team last season and is 81-6 over three seasons. He's as proud of the team title this season as he is of his gaudy record.

"Our seniors this year were really committed to improvement,'' White said. "I was a captain and so was a senior (Dan Koenigs). He really improved from last year and was a strong member of our doubles team. And Taavi (Koiv-Haus) was also 20-0. We had a really strong 1-4 in singles and it was the leadership of our seniors that really helped bring it through.''

White also runs cross country and probably will be on the indoor track team this winter. It's all part of the plan. A plan not many opponents have figured out.

"I'll hit winners on backhands all day,'' White said. "Another thing is my footwork from cross country. I can get to almost every ball. Running me off the court would be the best way to beat me, but I won't give up.''

White, an honor student, lists UConn, Bentley University, Roger Williams University and Stevens Institute of Technology on his college wish list.

"I want to play college tennis,'' White said. "I just signed up for the NCSA (National Collegiate Scouting Association) and they're going to help me get my name out to coaches.''

White's had a racket in his hand - and a love for tennis - for as long as he can remember.

"Ever since I was three and my grandmother gave me my first private lesson. Ever since then I've had a passion for it. It's the greatest sport and I'm good at it.''

And likely to get ever better.

D.DAVIS@THEDAY.COM