Valedictorian candidate heading into final season of tennis

Manteca High senior Yok Chai Ma, seen here cutting paper in one of his classes, ranks among the most decorated boys tennis players in school history. (Hanna Palacio/The Tower)

By LANDON BUTLER 
The Tower 

Yok Chai Ma is a senior at Manteca High School.  

However, upon deeper inspection, Ma is a talented student-athlete projected to finish as the valedictorian and the most decorated tennis player in school history. 

Ma grew up in a competitive household with three older brothers, which led him to strive in sports and academics. He is determined to be his best self, always giving his best to every task, whether it’s in the classroom or on the court. Two of his older brothers finished near the top of their class, one being named the salutatorian, and two won Valley Oak League doubles titles.  

In short order, Ma has surpassed them all on the court, earning a Sac-Joaquin Section championship in doubles as a freshman to go along with his two VOL singles titles.  

“I have always held myself to a higher standard because of my brothers, from their excellence on the court to the classroom, I’ve always looked up to them as role models, some might say idols, to mimic and use them as a guide for me throughout my life. And if you know my brothers at all, I think you could very easily see how I reflect them, and their influence is shown in me,” Ma said.  

Through excelling in academics and sports he strives to live up to the Ma family name. Not only does he wish to live up to the standard, but he also hopes to raise his own bar. Currently Yok is enrolled in AP Calculus B/C, AP Biology, AP Microeconomics, and piano. Throughout his tenure at Manteca High School, he has taken 19 Advanced Placement and honors classes. Bringing his overall weighted GPA to a 4.6. He is ranked No. 1 out of 443 students.  

“Yok doesn't like to waste time” said Frank Fontana, vice principal of Manteca High School and former varsity tennis coach. “He holds himself to an extremely high standard. He has also established high expectations of himself. He pushes himself in practice and expected others on the team to do the same.   He is driven to perform at peak performance, with high levels of driven and motivation.  

“He has older brothers who also played here, who have pushed him to be better, and I am sure he relishes the fact he is the only member of his family with an individual section championship.” 

However, Ma feels no pressure to become the valedictorian, only to do well in class. Believing that his placement has come from determination and effort in the classroom not the pressure placed on him by siblings or family members.  

“There is more of a pressure to do well in class, not become the valedictorian, and doing well in classes has led to Valedictorian,” Ma said. 

Ma has enjoyed his time at Manteca High School and hopes to be accepted into UCLA and study Marine Biology. Ma wants to enjoy the rest of his time being a buffalo and finish his tennis and student career on a strong note.  

The Tower caught up with Yok Chai Ma to discuss his high school life and hopes for the upcoming tennis season.  

THE TOWER: How has your high school experience been? 

YOK CHAI MA: I did have a good time. I feel I could have got more out of my freshman and sophomore year. But I have definitely made the most out of these last two years through my classes and involvement. 

TT: What are the goals and expectations for your senior tennis year? 

YCM: 
I am just going into this finale year looking to have fun. But, also of course to win, and to get as far as I can. Hopefully to win sections. And for the team to come together and win a team vol championship, that is the goal for the team, over the individuals. 

TT: Where did your brothers place in school? 

YCM: One of my brothers was the Salutatorian of his year, and another one finished third in class rank. 

TT: Has there been any extra preparation for the upcoming tennis season? 

YCM: Not there has not been extra preparation but there are always preparations. I train yearlong, preparing for tournaments. The goal is to just keep practicing and get better each day. 

TT: Has there been pressure because of how well your brothers did in tennis and in high school, for you to do well, for you to strive?   

YCM: There has been a little bit of pressure. I guess I say I don't really like to think about it. It is just pretty much just expectations at this point.