Ace-ing The Competition: A Season of Tennis and Triumph

STRATEGIZE. Juniors Henry Hughes and Sage Stromberg conversing during a match. Come and support the boys’ tennis team at their next home match! Photo courtesy of Noah Read.

The air crackles with anticipation as the boys’ tennis season unfolds. It’s a time of fierce competition, mental growth, and building new friendships. This year, the team is driven by many goals.

“My personal goal for this season is to win state,” stated Junior Sage Stromberg.

This goal of winning state fuels their dedication, pushing them to excel both on and off the court. The players are also mindful of their responsibility as role models.

“My goals are to inspire the younger generations of future tennis players,” noted Senior Marshall Wade.

The skills and playing methods of an upperclassmen can motivate others to pursue their passions within tennis.

The life of a student-athlete is a delicate balancing act. Juggling academics and athletics requires discipline and time management. 

“I balance my academic responsibilities with tennis by staying in touch with my teachers when I miss class for matches,” shared Stromberg.

Some students balance multiple sports, along with their education.

“Every day when I get home I just finish all my homework right away, because I also have soccer a couple days a week, so I don’t really have time,” noted Junior Jude Dardeau. 

These approaches ensure that their studies don’t suffer, allowing them to pursue their passions without sacrificing their education and balance their commitments effectively. 

Pressure is an inevitable part of competitive sports. However, the team has developed strategies to manage it. 

“To manage pressure, I make sure me and my teammate are both in a good mindset to play the next point, so if I make a mistake, I reassure myself, and if my teammate makes a mistake, I reassure my teammate and try to keep a positive mindset,” remarked Sophomore Pierson Guenther. 

This support system helps them stay focused and composed during crucial moments. Attitude and focus play a very important role in tennis. Players have learned to cope with pressure by focusing on positivity.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of pressure and had to overcome it by thinking of things that make me happy,” said Wade. 

Playing an intense tennis match can feel like a lot of pressure and might be very stressful, so players find their own methods to overcome it. This mental resilience allows them to perform at their best, even under a stressful moment. 

Furthermore, the bonds formed within the team are a source of strength and joy. 

“My favorite thing about the tennis team is the bonds I have made with my fellow teammates,” explained Stromberg. 

These relationships extend beyond the court, creating a supportive community where players encourage each other, rather than putting each other down.

“I have a lot of friends on the tennis team, so we’re all pretty close, and we don’t get down on each other," explained Dardeau.

Having people on the team and off the team that support you is crucial in order to make a great team. It is also crucial in order to create a safe environment and make the sport more enjoyable.

“My favorite part of the team is the community, and the coaches are really nice,” Wade stated.

As the season progresses, the boy’s tennis team’s journey reminds us that passion and teamwork can achieve many goals. Their dedication elevates their game, and it also inspires their community. May their commitment to the team inspire many others to pursue their passions.