‘It’s in my Blood:’ Centennial High School tri-sport athlete taking talents to college level
For Thandiwe “Tina” Reynolds, tennis is more than a varsity sport. It’s in her blood.
“I have been playing since technically diapers,” Reynolds told 614Now. “My dad’s side of the family plays a lot of tennis, and my aunt and uncle both got scholarships for playing it.”
Now it’s Reynolds’ turn, as she has committed to a tennis scholarship at Shawnee State University, a NCAA Division II school, for 2026. Reynolds has ranked as the #1 Singles Player from 2022-2025, received “Team MVP” all four years, was the All City Singles Player Runner-up this season, and made First Team All-City in both 2024 and 2025.
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In her senior year at Centennial High School, Reynolds recently wrapped her final high school tennis season as team captain, and is now focused on swimming.
“I’m kind of sad because I won’t be able to play tennis at the high school level again, but I am really proud of what I’ve done with my senior year. It was probably my best year,” reflected Reynolds.
“We beat our rivals, so I’ll take it!” she added.
Reynolds has been swimming since she was nine, and has competed with Centennial High School’s swim team all four years to help stay in shape for tennis. The 2025 swim season has officially begun, with Centennial’s first meet in late November.
This season, Reynolds is confident she and her team will have a strong performance.
“I am looking fofward for the chance to compete in sectionals and see how far I can get this year,” she said. “Based on my results from tennis, I feel I have built up a lot of endurance and a lot of strength.”
In the spring, Reynolds will prepare for her final high school sports season on the track team. The tri-sport student athlete will run the 800m and compete in discus throwing. In an effort to work on her cardio, stamina, and full-body strength, Reynolds has dedicated herself to competing all year.
“I balance it by trying to keep myself in shape, and trying to focus on the goal of staying ready for the tennis season,” explained Reynolds. “Instead of focusing on competition, I am focusing on bettering myself.”
As Reynolds finishes her senior year academics and sports, she looks forward to college athletics and pursuing a biology major. Science, like tennis, runs in her family.
While Reynolds launches into her last swim season, she reflects on what playing three high school sports has taught her.
“The most important lesson they taught me was discipline…You have to push yourself in practice if you want good results,” said Reynolds.
But with a college tennis career to look forward to, Reynolds’ tennis journey is far from over.
“I love seeing myself improve,” she said. “Seeing my time go down, seeing my scores get better, and seeing my shots get more precise is what drives me to get better. To see all my hard work come together.”
This is part of 614Now.com’s weekly student athlete feature. Know of an extraordinary high school athlete on and off the field? Nominate them by emailing editor@614now.com.
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