NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s Julianna Wallace is diverse on and off the tennis court.

Wallace’s flexibility allowed her to switch schools from Herrington Christian School in Texas to ACCS in Natchez last January without missing a beat.

To go along with her success on the court, Wallace has a 4.0 GPA, is a talented painter and has a passion for baking.

Besides competing in the classroom, tennis is an art form the ACCS junior has been diligently practicing the longest.

“You have to have good character and good qualities to play, like self-discipline and patience,” Wallace said. “It’s a fun sport you can play for the rest of your life.”

Because Wallace played since she was 7 years old, she’s acquired the technique of a veteran player, and her coach Jimmy Allgood believes it sets her apart from others on the court.

“She has the ‘it’ factor,” Allgood said. “You can tell her past coaches really worked with her and taught her proper form.”

Allgood said Wallace’s high intensity and aptitude make her successful in competition, and both will be needed in the coming weeks.

With a showdown looming against Central Hinds next week with potential South State Tournament implications on the line, Allgood is confident that Wallace will shine in mixed doubles action with Christopher Guedon.

“With his height and ability around the front of the net and her power and discipline in the backcourt, they’ll be able to compete against some of these better teams we’ll face in the coming weeks,” Allgood said.

Providing a nice change of pace from tennis’ demanding exercise, Wallace turns to painting and drawing in her free time.

“It just soothes me,” Wallace said. “I love being able to work on something and accomplish it.”

It’s paid off in terms of awards, as Wallace finished in second place in her district at state last year with drawings of Madonna and Jesus.

As a member of First Baptist Church in Natchez, Wallace draws most of her inspiration from God and nature, which helps fuel another passion of Wallace’s — baking. She gains extra pleasure from it by cooking for others.

“I just love baking for people,” Wallace said. “I love being able to give people something they’ll enjoy.”

Wallace plans on studying pre-law at Ole Miss following her senior year at ACCS.

Wallace is the daughter of James and Nancy Wallace.