Moore Grows Into Game, Takes Down Some Big Boys

Two years ago, Servite’s Ryan Moore looked like a Fiat trying to stay on the road as an 18-wheeler passed him by. Moore, a 5-foot-5 130-pound freshman, could handle himself on the tennis court against most of the Southern Section’s best players, but when he faced the heavy hitters, he was usually overpowered.

“I got blown off the court more than I probably care to admit,” Moore said.

Said Moore’s mother Caryll : “He was playing a big man’s game in a little man’s body.”

But now that he’s grown four inches and put on 15 pounds of muscle, the little man is starting to get his revenge. Two weeks ago, Moore took down two bigger players, Foothill’s Joost Hol and Santa Barbara’s Sam Adam Webster, to win the section individual tournament at SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach.

“I’m stronger and taller now,” Moore said. “Everything’s easier when you’re bigger. You can put balls away earlier in the point. You don’t have to work so hard.”

Moore worked hard enough this season to be selected The Times Orange County player of year.

“That’s a great honor,” Moore said. “That’s just the cherry on top of my season.”

He finished his dual match season with a 48-0 record and led Servite to a quarterfinal finish in the Division III playoffs.

In three years of playing high school tennis, Moore has never lost a set in a dual match. Two years ago, he lost in the quarterfinals of the section individuals to eventual champion Eni Ghidirmic of Palm Desert. Last year, San Marino’s Andrew Park beat him in the quarters.

This year, Moore skated through the entire tournament without losing a set.

The little boy has grown up.

“Some players still hit the ball harder than I do, but that’s when I use my mental game,” Moore said. “Even though you might be stronger and taller than me, you still have to make the shots.”