Are more people finally joining sports or is the girls tennis team just having a spectacular
season? Having such a large team at twenty seven, this was one of the only years that cuts
took place. With half of the team being seniors it makes this year very sentimental and very
important. After getting fourth in conference last year both the girls and coaches want to
improve that placement. Our team this year shows great promise in doing just that!
I was able to get an interview with the coaches and get their opinion on the growth in
numbers and how the season is going. Martha Rathbun and Marci Oldani, have been coaching
both boys and girls tennis for the past two years.
“Since we have come out of COVID protocol, I anticipated higher numbers, but not twice
as many.” This was Rathbun’s response to if she expected to have such a large team this year.
A very understanding point of view considering how much life has changed with Covid. Back in
2020 the team only had twenty four people which may seem like a lot but compared to other
sports it’s quite small.
When asked about last year’s performance compared to this year’s performance coach
Rathbun stated that, “This year we are doing well, very similar to last year’s performance.”
“Having a large team is both easier and harder.” It’s easier for the practice portion that
we are able to do match play and other activities but harder in the way that not all teams have
the same amount of people so accommodations have to be made. This is an issue only some
sports have but tennis has a smart and creative way of solving it. Rathbun told me that, “During
practice players compete by doing challenge matches and that decides rank and position for the
games,” is their main way to create the line up but also allows everyone a good amount of play
time.
While quite a lot of people are returning to the team there are quite a few players that
are brand new to tennis. I thought I’d get some of their opinions as well as the coaches as to
why people should try out for the tennis team.
Why should people try out for tennis?
“Tennis is a fun and enjoyable sport, and can be played throughout a person’s lifetime”,
Martha Rathbun, Tennis coach
“OH because it’s fun and always has a positive energy”, A junior
“Everyone is so uplifting and…. A great way to make friends”, A sophomore
“You should join tennis because it’s a good time to get out and also you feel way more
connected with people,” a sophomore
With conference coming up in two weeks the girls tennis team can use all of your
support. So come out and watch a match and next year maybe you can try out too.