Just like that, the girls’ tennis season has come to an end.
This year the team qualified for playoffs, which is an immense accomplishment that the tennis team had not achieved in about seven years. Unfortunately, the thirds-set tiebreaker marked the end of the journey for the team losing 5-4. The team’s coach, Coach Dan believes that this wouldn’t have been possible without the girl’s persistence.
Balancing their time between both their athletic and academic life was very demanding but definitely not impossible.
“Whenever I was going to be absent because of a match, I would let the teachers [know] I would be missing, and do my best to get my school work turned in on time,” Olivia DuPont stated.
Junior Fatima Cortez, who has been playing the sport for two years, finds motivation through her teammates.
“My motivation comes from the support of my teammates and coach,” Cortez explained.
Olivia DuPont, who is one of the few Seniors in the team, tends to encourage her teammates as frequently as she can.
“I encourage my other teammates by cheering for them during their matches and at practice,” expressed DuPont.
Olivia DuPont alongside Rosa Barrita and Simran Kaur who were the only seniors in the team, found it very challenging to assimilate to the idea that the season was coming to an end. All of the teammates from various grades established long-time friendships.
The friendships and dynamic created within the team were a factor in being able to move forward. Whenever the girls had an unsuccessful match, they would make sure to lighten the mood immediately.
“We start by going out to eat, and just being silly. We try not being down in the dumps about it; we just work harder the next day,” Cortez revealed.
Their positive energy was effective for them to progress as a team. Coach Dan voiced how much the team would enjoy the away matches.
“They used the auxiliary cord to plug into the van’s stereo and listen to their music and sang together,” explained Coach Dan.
The harmony between the girls was memorable and that many would cherish. The team would also celebrate their birthdays. These additional get-togethers made their connection on the court stronger.
“They know what I always say, ‘Have fun!’ They know these are their courts and they can hit on them anytime. Graduating seniors know they can always return to hit,” elaborated Coach Dan.
This season, the tennis team became more than just teammates, they became friends who could always count on each other.
