Tennis rallies on, spurred by love

Melissa Rhoad
October 19, 2009
Filed under Sports

In tennis, “love” means zero. But for the women’s tennis team, love is the feeling they have for both each other and the sport.

The team may not be at the top of the rankings, but it has many upcoming stars. Sophomore Mikala Smith, juniors Virginia Harris, Mary Laird Stemkowski, Emily Johnson, and Belinda Duong, and senior Danielle Pratt are the aces of the tennis team. With a new court to call home, the ladies are excited for what is to come.

“We enjoy having home matches and being able to practice on courts that aren’t growing weeds between the lines,” said junior Virginia Harris.

A newly refurbished court has been long awaited by head coach Thomas Nguyen, as well as his women’s and men’s teams. The new court presents opportunities that the tennis program has not had available in the past.

“We don’t have to go to the park to practice any more. We have longer practice time. We can host matches at home and have students and parents coming to watch,” said Nguyen.

Even with a final 2-8 overall record and 0-4 in conference play, the girls and Nguyen are still optimistic for the future.

“This year, the girls’ team is special in a way that we have a small team but a very close team,” said Nguyen. “Everyone realizes that they have a long way to go, but we set realistic goals and work toward them.”

The team is a special way for the ladies to grow as players and people. The ladies get the chance to learn the game on an individual basis, as well as to meet new players who eventually become good friends. The team also has goals for themselves besides winning.

“To get better individually and learn the sport inside and out, and have fun of course,” said Harris.

The women’s tennis team may be in a developmental year, but they seem to be making great strides both on and off the court.