Portales freshman Kim Spotswood returns a serve during Thursday morning's practice. Lady Rams coach Sarah Bulls said mental toughness sets Spotswood apart.

Freshman Kim Spotswood enjoys baking stuff for road trips and making her Portales High tennis teammates laugh. But when it comes to speaking her mind or playing tennis, it’s all business.

“I enjoy being able to play against other people and travel to the different places,” Spotswood said.

What sets Spotswood apart from others is her mental toughness, said coach Sara Bulls.

“She never plays down no matter what the other person’s level is,” Bulls said. “She’s mentally tough and you have to be mentally tough to play tennis because sometimes you can beat yourself.”

Last year Spotswood was on the junior varsity team and this year is playing in the No. 3 singles slot this season. The move up was scary at the start, Spotswood admitted.

"It’s more of a challenge,” Spotswood said. “Tennis is a lot of fun, just being out here and hitting the ball as hard as you can.”

Added Bulls of Spotswood: “She has improved tremendously. She gives it her all.”

Bulls said sometimes players get nervous when the coach is watching, while other players play better when they're being watched. Consider Spotswood to be the latter.

“She loves positive feedback and constructive criticism,” Bulls said. “She really likes that, so I always try to watch her.”

Staying active: Over spring break, she went to see her older sister and ended up running five miles as part of a breast cancer awareness event.

Working to improve: “I work on my forehand and my serves a lot,” Spotswood said.

Bulls has been working with Spotswood to improve her serve.

“She’s very consistent in all areas, except her serve.” Bulls said. “Her serve could always be better; right now it is good (enough) to get her by in the No. 3 spot. She moves around really well, I hardly ever have problems with her footwork.

“I don’t have any doubt she will do very well.”

GETTING PERSONAL
Favorite movies: Harry Potter. “I’ve read the first three books, but I like the movies much more.”
Other interests: “I’m in drama, that’s the only other thing I’m in. I was in ‘Peter Pan’ last year.”
Favorite school subject: Math and science. “Those are the only subjects that I enjoy.”
She wants to be: An orthodontist.