2023 Boys Tennis Player of the Year: Hayes Gilbert

***ICYMI: Boys Golfer of the Year: John Logan***

Now that the spring sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next two  weeks, you will get to know more about the players of the year, while also seeing who made first and second team in boys golf, boys tennis, boys and girls track & field, boys and girls lacrosse, softball, girls soccer and baseball.

The Coastal Preps Boys Tennis Player of the Year is junior Hayes Gilbert from Cape Fear Academy.

Hayes’ Accomplishments

Consistency is a major key to success in tennis, and no area player was more consistent this season than Hayes Gilbert.

Playing in the top singles position, Gilbert went 7-2 for the Hurricanes. One of those losses came via retirement due to an illness and the other was in a third-set tiebreaker. He won 11 sets by a score of 6-0 or 6-1.

Gilbert was 3-0 against other members of the All-Coastal Preps First team, winning each of those matches in straight sets.

His steady play from the baseline and movement at the net made Gilbert a dominant doubles player. He finished 12-0 while playing with multiple partners at the No. 1 and 2 spots.

Gilbert helped Cape Fear Academy finish with a 16-1 record and the NCISAA Division II state title following a 5-1 victory over Greensboro Day School.

He teamed up with Ben Kane for 8-0 doubles wins in the semifinals against Arendell Parrott Academy and final. Gilbert was leading in singles in both of those matches when play was stopped due to the Hurricanes reaching five points.

More about Hayes

Favorite Restaurant(s): In-N-Out Burger, Jersey Mike’s

Favorite Movie(s): Up, Cars 1

Favorite TV Show(s): Criminal Minds, Family Guy

Favorite Athlete(s): Roger Federer 

Favorite memory from this season: Winning the championship with the guys I worked so hard with all season.

Favorite memory from your career: Playing at the USTA national campus during the national clay court championships.

Favorite thing about your school or team: The motivation and drive of the team as a whole.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I drink a Panera Charged Lemonade before every match, and it gets me so amped.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?: Hawaii

If you could switch places with any person (real or fictional) for a day who would it be?: Snoop Dogg

Are you a morning or night person?: Morning

What is something you could eat for a week straight?: Pho

What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Banana Fudge

What app on your phone do you use the most?: Snapchat

What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I’m really good at cooking

What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: Water, Food, PlayStation

Would you rather dance or sing in front of a group of people?: Sing