Talawanda junior excels on the court and ice

This story was produced by Miami University journalism students Aubrey Sess and Carleigh Wissel in partnership with the Oxford Free Press.

At 3 p.m., Andy Page can be found sprinting across the tennis court, chasing down a forehand. A few hours later, he’s skating down the ice, preparing to stop shots.

While most high school athletes focus on one sport, Page has chosen more. He is both a varsity tennis player at Talawanda High School and a goaltender for the Miami Youth Hockey team, balancing two demanding sports as a junior in high school.

A love for hockey from the start

Page’s athletic journey started long before he picked up a tennis racket. 

“When I first got on ice skates, I was 2-years-old at a Learn-to-Skate,” Page recalled.

He quickly fell in love with the speed and intensity of hockey. By age 4, he started playing competitively. 

Page grew up watching NHL goaltender Marc-André Fleury, admiring his athleticism and flexibility. As a goalie himself, Page has worked to develop similar agility, even mastering the ability to do the side splits.

Discovering tennis 

Tennis came much later. 

Page first became interested in the sport during seventh grade and began taking lessons the following year. By ninth grade, he had joined Talawanda’s tennis team. 

Last season, Page competed in the sectional tournament with teammate Jesse Reynolds. Facing larger schools gave the pair confidence that Talawanda could compete with anyone.

Talawanda tennis coach Nate Silberstein said Page’s work ethic and attitude make him a valuable part of the team. 

“He’s a leader out here. People respect him,” Silberstein said. “He is a hard worker. When it’s time to compete, he’s out here competing, but he’s still a friendly, nice, approachable guy.”

Managing a packed schedule 

At certain times of the year, Page’s schedule can be nonstop – balancing practices, lessons and traveling for hockey.  

“I would go from school down to tennis at Riverside,” Page said. “Then straight from Riverside to hockey, and that was the full day.”

During the winter, it can be difficult to keep up with both, but Page maintains a good attitude, saying that both sports help him improve as an athlete. 

“I love both of them so much,” he said. “Playing one makes me better at the other one. The agility aspect of both of them helps me so much. It helps me improve a lot.”

As Miami Youth Hockey’s season ended March 5, Talawanda tennis held its first official spring practice four days later. 

Teammate on the ice

Page’s leadership and positive attitude also stand out on the ice, according to Miami Youth Hockey head coach Zach Sens.

“He’s a very cool kid. He doesn’t ever look pressured or nervous,” Sens said. “At our end-of-the-year awards, he got a ton of votes for best teammate.”

During Miami RedHawks summer training sessions, Page wasn’t officially invited to participate. Still, he showed up to help as a goaltender and work on his own. 

“I look out my window, and he’s out there putting in time and effort,” Sens said. “He’s showing up, showing up, showing up and not once was it like ‘hey coach, I am here.’”

Looking ahead

Page continues to set high goals for himself in both sports. 

“For hockey, I’d like to win a national championship,” Page said. “Sectionals is also one of my goals for tennis, to get there again this year.”

For younger athletes hoping to balance multiple sports, Page keeps his advice simple.

“Keep a good mindset. Set multiple alarms. Eat well. Know that school comes first,” Page said. “And thank your parents.”