What made you pick tennis over the other sports offered at MHS?
I wanted to do sports all year round. I had a all and winter sport chosen but I didn’t know what I wanted to do for spring. The only choices were; crew, softball, tennis, and outdoor track. I’ve never played softball so I chose not to do that. I don’t like boats or rowing so I couldn’t do crew. The only options were track and tennis. I felt like I would have a better chance playing tennis than I would if I did track. Tennis also looked like a lot of fun and I knew a lot of people on the team so I knew it would be a great experience for me. I’ve also always wanted to play tennis but never got the chance to do so before high school.
Are you going to play tennis while in college, or even after?
I will probably not play tennis at college, or even after. I will only play for the fun of it.
What will take away from your high school experience?
During my four years of high school I learned that it’s best to have a few close friends than it is to have many who you can’t count on. I’ve learned to work hard and to manage my schedule in order to do everything that I want to do. I also realized that doing sports or being in clubs is not only a lot of fun but it is also a great way to keep busy and to meet new people and make new friends. I learned to cherish everything and everyone because you never know when you will get to see them again. Time flies by and you don’t want to have any regrets before your senior year. I learned to take risks and make the most out of high school.
Have you decided what college you are going to, if you’re going and what you want to major in?
I will be attending Mount Ida College in Newton. I am going to major in Veterinary Technology..
What do you want to do after college?
After college I would like to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and possibly working at an animal hospital.
What have you learned by being on a team for so long?
I’ve been on this team for 3 years I have learned that teamwork is truly a group effort. If someone wins it affects us all. If someone loses it also affects the team. Each member and each match makes a difference to the team. As a doubles player, I have learned a lot about communication, strategic thinking and teamwork. It is very important to communicate with your doubles partner during the game. Specially, in order to know who is going to get the ball. By saying “I got it” the other player is then able to cover the open spots that would make it easy for the other team to score. I learned that it is also very important to think strategically while playing a match. You have to think about where the ball is headed, where you are going to hit it, and where your opponent is going aim it back, all at the same time. This avoids missing easy shots, or being able to hit difficult shots. Last but not least, it’s all about teamwork. You can’t play a doubles match by yourself. It takes two to win. Both players have to put all their effort into the game.
What are your hobbies outside of tennis? Are you involved in any other clubs?
Besides Tennis, I also do fall and winter cheerleading, color guard, and concert band. I am involved in Captain’s Council, National Honor Society, and Environmental Club.
What are some achievements you have received during your high school career?
I earned the John and Abigail scholarship, for cheerleading I received the scholastic award two years in a row, for color guard I was nominated as the MVP, I was also captain of the cheer team and the color guard team, I was the Vice president of the band, and I was also chosen for the character award for NHS.
What will you miss most about MHS?
I will miss my friends, my teammates, playing sports, and most of all I will miss Mr. Brown.
What is your advice to your fellow tennis players, and incoming players?
My advice is to never give up and to always believe in yourself. Even if the new players have never played tennis they should believe that they will make the team, and that they will become great. Current players should always believe that they can improve and they should never give up no matter how the season is going for them or for the team.
