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Pirates' Lavoie expects to have bigger impact
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Chris Lavoie has changed. He's not the player, nor the person, he used to be. Growing pains? Not exactly. More like growing gains. A year ago, Lavoie was 5-foot-7 and 125 pounds. The Crystal River sophomore standout now is 5-11, 160 and hopes bigger and stronger translates into him being better. "I had always worked out, but not really seriously until last year," Lavoie said. "I feel pretty strong now." That could be bad news for his opponents. As a freshman, Lavoie went 13-6 at No. 1 singles. He led the Pirates to a district title, was the individual district champion, advanced to state and was a Times All-Citrus/Hernando pick. Not a bad start to a high school career. "He had a great freshman year," Crystal River coach Vicki Browning said. "When he came in, we knew he would be very competitive. He's a tournament player." Lavoie began playing when he was 5. He now is ranked 100th in Florida's 16-and-under division by the United States Tennis Association, up 118 spots from last spring. Lavoie spends most of his weekends playing in tournaments. By the time he's a senior, Lavoie hopes to be ranked in the top 50 of the 18-and-under class. "He's a well-rounded player," Browning said. "He totally improved his game. He's disciplined, more focused, and he's getting more steady. "There's not a lot I can teach him as far as the game goes, but we work on the mental aspects." Lavoie's focus, at times, was an issue in 2002. He strained on long points and was not as well-conditioned as he thought he should be. That's why he became more dedicated in the gym and runs more at practice. "My shots are about the same, but I'm more consistent," Lavoie said. "In the past, I got tired. Now, I'm ready for the big point. A lot of little bits and pieces have improved, and I think my mental game has improved." Lavoie lost his opening-round match at state last season but stayed around the rest of the day to take in the atmosphere. He watched and, he hopes, learned what it takes to compete at the highest level. "It was a great experience," Lavoie said. He would like to make a return trip this spring. Browning envisions something bigger in Lavoie's future. "In the next couple of years, he could very well be a state champion," Browning said. "But he's going to have to continue to work hard and continue to be focused." -- Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 860-7337 or niebuhr@sptimes.com .
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