Tennis Court Packed With New Players
The girls' tennis season has begun with a larger number than in recent years.
By Jisela Negrete
The girls' tennis season has begun with a larger number than in recent years.
By Jisela Negrete
With almost double the number of athletes as last season, the girls’ tennis team for the 2022-23 season is starting off strong.
Last year, the tennis team had 11 girls and this new season is starting off with 20 girls on the team. Tennis is seeing increased interest this year, but with that comes less one on one guidance from head coach Seth Hein.
“Having an increase of roster size does pose a challenge in an individual sense. There won’t be a lot of one on one time and only 10 girls start, so challenging girls above them will take time. But having a large group does open up fun games we can play and healthy competition,” said Hein.
As the roster increases, the eight returners are excited to have new faces on the team and the recognition that tennis is receiving.
“I feel enthusiastic about the increase of students because I hope they can give the sport more recognition,” said co-captain Nayanika Bhattacharya, 12. “Most of my experience comes from playing with the team but I have taken lessons before and play with my family.
A few obstacles the team has dealt with were the heat waves and team communication. Top singles player Bethany Tate, 11, has some concerns about athletes remembering to take care of their mental health.
“Every athlete has a mental barrier that they need to overcome in order to play their best and with their best mindset,” said Tate.
The heat waves in early September affected the team causing practices to get canceled. The team had to learn to get used to the heat while learning to work together.
“The major concern we have with the heat last week would be practice time and getting practice matches in. Also getting used to the heat,” said Hein.
The athletes and the coach are looking forward to many things for this new season. Since the team is larger this year, they are looking forward to the different games they can play with each other, competing against new schools and team bonding.
“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the new members who joined the team this year and all the potential wins that we may have,” said Tate.
With a great start of the season with old and new faces working together to become a stronger team learning new things everyday.
“Looking forward to this season and ready to kick some butt,” said Hein.
Last year, the tennis team had 11 girls and this new season is starting off with 20 girls on the team. Tennis is seeing increased interest this year, but with that comes less one on one guidance from head coach Seth Hein.
“Having an increase of roster size does pose a challenge in an individual sense. There won’t be a lot of one on one time and only 10 girls start, so challenging girls above them will take time. But having a large group does open up fun games we can play and healthy competition,” said Hein.
As the roster increases, the eight returners are excited to have new faces on the team and the recognition that tennis is receiving.
“I feel enthusiastic about the increase of students because I hope they can give the sport more recognition,” said co-captain Nayanika Bhattacharya, 12. “Most of my experience comes from playing with the team but I have taken lessons before and play with my family.
A few obstacles the team has dealt with were the heat waves and team communication. Top singles player Bethany Tate, 11, has some concerns about athletes remembering to take care of their mental health.
“Every athlete has a mental barrier that they need to overcome in order to play their best and with their best mindset,” said Tate.
The heat waves in early September affected the team causing practices to get canceled. The team had to learn to get used to the heat while learning to work together.
“The major concern we have with the heat last week would be practice time and getting practice matches in. Also getting used to the heat,” said Hein.
The athletes and the coach are looking forward to many things for this new season. Since the team is larger this year, they are looking forward to the different games they can play with each other, competing against new schools and team bonding.
“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the new members who joined the team this year and all the potential wins that we may have,” said Tate.
With a great start of the season with old and new faces working together to become a stronger team learning new things everyday.
“Looking forward to this season and ready to kick some butt,” said Hein.