As the seasons unfold, Girls Tennis teams are gearing up across the state. While the boys' season kicks off in the fall and the girls' season commences in spring, students and coaches alike eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. They await the development of team camaraderie and unity, as well as the blossoming of friendships, throughout the season.
Transitioning from the broader perspective of team dynamics and anticipation for the season, let's delve into the personal journeys of individual players. Understanding what initially attracted them to tennis and their experiences leading up to joining the high school team provides insight into their passion for the sport.
“What initially drew me to tennis was starting something new with one of my old friends when we were in seventh grade,” said Michigan City High School Senior Madison Tilden. “This sport forced me to come back for more, and I’m so happy to have had even this much experience. I have been playing tennis for about five years now, both during the season and with personal practice and training of my own. I wanted to see how far I could go as a tennis player, so having such a strong connection with this sport really drew me in.”
Within the strong connections of the sport itself, team camaraderie is needed for success on the court and off the court.
“I think the biggest way that we create team camaraderie is by having fun,” said Matthew Malaski, Portage High School Girls Tennis coach. “My girls enjoy being together, and they are each other's biggest supporters. They constantly encourage and challenge each other to be at their best. We work hard, but we have fun at the same time.”
The special things the team does together also play a huge role. These traditions bring everyone closer and make their time on and off the court more meaningful.
“Our team has a tradition called big sister little sister where an upperclassman chooses an underclassman to be their little sister for that season,” said Xiuxiu Wang, a senior at Portage High School. “They exchange encouraging notes and snacks before matches. It’s a cute and fun way for the team to connect with each other.”
Being connected and a part of the team is so important for the growth of the players and the people around them.
“I love our community. We all want the best for each other, and you can really feel it,” said Bailey Chavis, Michigan City High School junior. “Specific to our team though is that most of the girls participate in a bunch of different activities, and when you put all of us together, I think we're such a cool and interesting group. I never thought I would get to know some of these girls, and I've now had the pleasure of being on a team with them.”
This feeling of togetherness and different kinds of people working well together also happens in teams. Leaders are super important in making sure everyone's strengths are used and everyone gets along.
“Any girl, with the right attitude and perseverance, has the ability to lead this team,” said Amanda Stolarz, the Michigan City High School Girls Tennis coach. “Our captain for this year, Madison, has been on the team all four years, has remained positive, and has progressively been playing better. She is our captain. Her attitude has led her to be the one for the position this season. She actively wants to include the girls and has the ability to have the entire group listen to and respect her.”
It's crucial for effective leaders to not only guide their teams through daily operations but also to prepare them mentally for critical moments such as important matches or tournaments.
“Review all matches as having the same value,” said Joel Hostetler, New Prairie High School Girls Tennis coach. “No one match is more important than another match. It is just another match. If you consider each match equally important, you will perform at your highest level without putting undue pressure on yourself.”
With this mindset, many players have had the opportunity to forge memories they’ll carry forever.
“A more personal story of a memorable moment from a previous season is of a tournament,” said Wang. “It was a really close match that lasted over two hours, and it was one of the best games that I have played. I will always remember the feelings that rushed through me after winning a tiebreaker against a tough opponent. That sense of accomplishment and excitement is the reason I love tennis.”