Selma High School’s girls’ tennis team has been working relentlessly this season to ensure their success. Now that their season is coming to a close, the coaches and athletes are now reflecting on their performance, weighing out the pros and cons, and cherishing all the amazing moments they shared through the sport.
“It’s been a rough season in terms of wins and losses, but the girls have improved one-hundred percent,” Coach Debbie Sultenfuss states.
The girls hold a record of 4-9 overall, but their improvement throughout the season is not measured by numbers.
“I’ve even had different coaches tell me the girls look so much better,” Sultenfuss disclosed. The team won’t be on the courts for playoffs, but Coach Sultenfuss hopes to take some of her student-athletes to the Tennis League Tournament. “We’ll take some people, probably the top three [student-athletes],” said Coach Sultenfuss.
The team’s greatest struggle this season was experience level. The tennis team does not play year-round, unlike many other neighboring schools.
“We start from scratch in July,” Coach Sultenfuss commented. Because of this, the tennis team is less prepared compared to their competitors. If she could go back, Coach Sultenfuss would, “work on their mental game more.”
Despite their hardships within early preparation, the tennis team had great strengths and successes. They thrived in dependability, communication, holding themselves responsible, and keeping up their grades. Coach Sultenfuss emphasizes her appreciation of her student-athletes and ending their season on a good note.“I’m proud of them,” said Coach Sultenfuss.
This year, there is only one senior on the tennis team. Rosalinda (Rosie) Canchola is concluding her final season as a tennis player. She’s proud of herself and her team.
“I feel amazing this season, we improved as a team,” Rosie said. She felt that her greatest success was her serves, and their improvement over the course of the season. Her strongest drawback was her backhands, which she believes can be worked on more, and would do so if she could go back. Rosie wants to thank her coaches for always motivating her to continue working hard, but emphasized thanking her best friend on the tennis team, Chloe Galaviz.
“Chloe [and I] really became close friends through our years of playing tennis together,” Rosie stated.
Rosie is dreading the end of her final season, knowing that one day will be her final day holding a racket
“I’ll miss my team and just playing tennis in general. I love this sport, but eventually I’ll have to stop,” Rosie commented.
Despite being forced to move on from Selma High, Rosie remains hopeful.
“I hope the best for [my team]. I really want to see them succeed in the playoffs,” she said.
