Jack Nolan: Broadcaster or Tennis Player?

SEATTLE - People may familiarize O’Dea High School senior broadcaster Jack Nolan with football, basketball, baseball, and maybe even lacrosse, but what may not come to mind is tennis. Nolan is going into his fourth, and final, tennis season for the Irish as a captain and has high hopes for both the team and his own personal interest in broadcasting.

The Irish tennis team have already a strong start at 2-0 beating Ingraham 3-2 and Chief Sealth 4-1 with Nolan being a star singles player. Between the singles duo of Nolan and junior Lorenzo Neri, it will be hard for other teams to defeat the Irish with this star power.

Nolan also competes in doubles which he recently won a match against Chief Sealth alongside sophomore Anbin Keen.

Tennis has been a love for Nolan ever since 6th grade when some of his friends joined a team, but going into high school his love for broadcasting ignited.

It is no surprise to see another devoted broadcaster at O’Dea. Ever since the duo of Truman Wisen and Jason Fridge, O’Dea has been a breeding ground for sport fanatic students getting behind the mic. Nolan is alongside many other students including senior John Orm who carry the Digital Media Club at O’Dea.

Former English and D.M.C. leader Mr. Lara started the club at O’Dea for his personal interest in computers and broadcasting. He did not realize how much impact it would have for the student body. The first and famous duo of Wisen and Fridge started it all and the torch slowly trickled down to Nolan.

“Broadcasting 100%, I love tennis and the program here at O’Dea but getting to experience and learn about all the different sports here at O’Dea is super interesting to me,” Nolan said after being asked if he prefers tennis or broadcasting.

Though he prefers broadcasting, come tennis season he still wants to be able to pursue both of his passions. Baseball, lacrosse and soccer are all spring sports that he loves to cover but with the inhibitor of tennis he has to figure out ways to balance both of his interests.

“It is definitely a grind but I do the best I can. There are days where I go from practice straight to Bellevue or other places to broadcast games,” Nolan said.

The grind is worth it though as he thrives in both activities. He has found his balance and has already covered a soccer, lacrosse, and baseball game this spring season on top of a 2-0 record in his own sport.

For the games he cannot attend due to tennis, he has a strong system of peers and underclassmen who cover the games for him in the D.M.C.

As Nolan leaves O’Dea, he hopes to stay connected in both tennis and broadcasting but not at the collegiate level. He shared that he is considering competing in intramural tennis but may have to leave broadcasting behind as he will dive into another passion: business.