Gazit is thriving in the top spot on the court

Sensational sophomore leads Wildcat tennis squad.

By Shaun Scott • September 26, 2018 1:37 pm
Mount Si Wildcats sophomore Corey Gazit is his team’s No. 1 singles player on the varsity roster. Shaun Scott/staff photo
Mount Si Wildcats sophomore Corey Gazit is his team’s No. 1 singles player on the varsity roster. Shaun Scott/staff photo

Mount Si Wildcat sophomore Corey Gazit relishes being the top singles tennis player on his team.

Gazit, who started playing tennis a decade ago as a 6-year-old, enjoys the challenge of being all by himself between the lines of play as a singles guru.

“I’m mostly a defensive player and I like to stay along the baseline. I take a lot of opportunities when I go toward the net,” Gazit said.

Gazit said the majority of the players on opposing teams he competes against are juniors and seniors.

“My goal is to get four or five wins this season. It is pretty hard to get wins,” Gazit said of the formidable competition. “In singles, you are out there all by yourself. Playing singles is half mental and half physical. It is tough.”

Mount Si head coach James Gibowski believes wholeheartedly in Gazit’s abilities.

“I have been coaching here for 11 years and the match Corey played against Inglemoor (Sept. 18) is the best tennis I have seen anybody play here in 11 years. He (Corey) could be the best player in Mount Si history and he is only a sophomore,” Gibowski said. “This is probably the best team we’ve had in 11 years. Everybody on this team is getting stronger. I think next year is going to be the tipping point for this team. We are young and are getting better.”

Recently the Snoqualmie Valley Record asked Gazit some questions about his life away from the tennis court.

Snoqualmie Valley Record: What is your favorite eatery in the Snoqualmie/North Bend area?

Corey Gazit: My favorite is MOD Pizza.

SVR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

CG: When tennis players let their emotions control how they play. Sometimes people when they get mad or angry let it control how they play.

SVR: Who was your idol growing up?

CG: Rogers Federer (professional tennis player).

SVR: What is your dream vacation spot?

CG: Paris, France. I want to go there.

SVR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

CG: I listen to Coldplay (British rock band), little bit of rap and some jazz too.

SVR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

CG: I’m not sure if I’m going to play tennis as a career. I’m not exactly sure yet. I see myself doing good (in life).