The fall tennis team had a successful season, earning the title of undefeated district champions and going on to win the bi-district championship in the first round of playoffs.
“I have to really applaud my team, because they always come through in close games,” coach Rebekah Newell said. “We just want to win more than our opponents, so we come away with victory.”
During competitions, the players support their teammates by watching their matches.
“Everyone on the team cheers each other on no matter how bad we are doing,” sophomore Jada Smith said. “No one wants to see each other fail.”
According to Newell, the students involved in the tennis program are well-rounded, awesome athletes.
“They take care of business in the classroom and on the court and have a good reputation among their school peers,” Newell said. “I’m so proud to be their coach.”
The students have improved a lot over the course of the season.
“The team has really grown together as a unified group of kids who enjoy not just playing tennis together but also just hanging out together,” Newell said.
According to Smith, staying mentally strong is key to performing well.
“I stay focused and motivated during tough matches by not letting myself give up or get in my head,” Smith said. “You always need a positive mindset. If you mess up, you just have to forget about it and focus on the next point.”
For Smith, the best part of being on the tennis team is the people and the environment.
“Everyone is so close, and we’re like a little family with no problems or drama,” Smith said.
The team’s biggest strength is supporting one another through everything.
“The team encourages one another no matter what,” Newell said. “If a team member is having a bad game, another one is sure to have their back and lift them up.”
According to Newell, she might give the players words of encouragement or tips on refining their skills, but at the end of the day, they do the hard work of winning the games.
“At the end of the day, I just tell my team to have fun and enjoy it,” Newell said. “Winning is always the most fun!”
