Midway Tennis Earns 23rd District Championship

By: Midway ISD Athletics

Troy Simonek, head coach of the Midway High School Tennis Team, is celebrating 24 years at the helm of a program that has become a local powerhouse. Under his guidance, the team has won the District Championship for 23 consecutive years.

“Coach Simonek does an outstanding job of consistently maintaining a standard of positive culture through the years as players change and the team dynamic changes,” Midway ISD Athletic Director Brad Shelton said.

Simonek's coaching philosophy focuses on building a culture that fosters a sense of family among players.

“This sport is tough mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Simonek said. “I want to instill qualities like self-reliance, perseverance, and integrity in my players.”

He emphasizes the importance of players connecting not just as teammates but as friends, often talking to them about their legacy and individual stories.

Frankie Allinson, Midway High School class of 2013, was one of Simonek's first players to compete at the state level.

“Frankie gave other players a window to see that everyone is capable of making it to the state level, regardless of where they come from,” Simonek said. “Frankie left a legacy of determination. He was someone players looked up to.”

During his senior year, Allinson faced a significant challenge, suffering a stress fracture in his back. Remarkably, with the help of Coach Simonek, he returned just in time for District competition in the spring, placing third at the regional tournament.

Simonek also frequently discusses the concept of “striving”with his players. He explains that the word ‘compete’ originates from the Latin term ‘competere,’ which means ‘to strive.’

In tennis, this notion takes on special significance as players constantly compete against each other, which can strain relationships unless approached with the right mindset.

“I'm always reminding the kids that they are working together to be better as a team,” Simonek said. “It's essential to maintain that perspective, especially in a sport where individual performance is so visible.”