Caden Herzik Playing at State Tennis Tournament This Week

Schulenburg junior Caden Herzik had one heck of a winning streak this tennis season.

He didn’t lose a single match all year until the regional finals two weeks ago in Corpus. That runner-up regional finish earned him a berth in this week’s state tennis tournament in San Antonio.

It’s also earned him the honor of being this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

“Caden’s a super hard worker,” said Schulenburg tennis coach Jordan Hafley. “He wants to always perfect his craft. Ever since he lost that match at regionals we’ve been up here at 7 a.m. in the morning and in the afternoons. He wants to become better every single day.”

We caught up with Herzik at one of those afternoon workouts. He told us about how his grandfather and his mother got him started in tennis back in fifth grade.

By sixth grade he was playing for St. Rose School, and that success continued in high school as his love of the game continues to grow.

“I love the competitiveness of tennis, the planning before every point,” Herzik said.

Herzik describes himself as a very calm, very patient player. Hafley said Herzik’s play at the net is his strength.

Last year Herzik made it to state in mixed doubles with partner Mikayla Otto, but they lost in the first round.

“State’s tough. There are amazing athletes there – no easy points,” Herzik said.

This year Herzik made the switch to singles, and the results speak for themselves.

Schulenburg sports fans know Herzik well. He’s also a standout football, basketball and track athlete for the Shorthorns, and he’s on the swim team in the summer. But tennis is among his favorite sports, and he’s excited for the chance to showcase his game at state this week.