Outside In by Todd Kelgard

Tim's passion for tennis is cooling as he becomes preoccupied with thoughts of classmate Sara. And, since he is in a new school, hanging with new friends after school now seems more important than being a singles champion on the courts.

Number one seed and snake, Wayne Morris, is waiting to ice him at the Nationals. Athletic football hero Mike Roberts is still steaming since Tim upstaged him in a lunchtime football game, and has already made his move on Sara. And, to top it off, Tim's parents are pressuring him to complete their long-term plan for him and tennis: which is to become the number one player in the state and then to qualify for a college tennis scholarship.

Under pressure, Tim falters at practice, then follows his coach's advice to take some time off tennis to make a decision. Is he playing for himself or for his parents? Can he play again with heart and desire? Will he stand up to his longtime nemesis, the strong and fast Wayne Morris, a disagreeable character who cares only about winning?

Help comes from an unexpected source when Mike Roberts hurls a strange challenge at Tim, a call to heart-pounding action and sweat that Tim can't refuse. With his new friends and family watching, Tim takes on Wayne in a heated and fierce tennis battle.

This is Todd Kelgard's first novel. A professional tennis player, he divides his time between New York City, and Los Angeles, California.