As spring unfolds and courts fill with the sound of serves and shouts, the girl’s tennis team has settled into their season. From battling the wind to managing injuries, each player brings their own strengths and challenges to the court.  Sophomore Vibha Govindarajan explained how practices set the tone for the team’s approach.

“We start off with warm ups,”  Govindarajan said. “Then, we get into our decks and play mini tennis. After that, we work on specific types of shots, such as volleys and serves. Then, for the bulk of the practice, we do challenge matches.”

Sophomore Chetna Raj Yadav spoke about how preparation plays a role in her performance.

“I try to not think about it and talk and enjoy time with my friends,” Yadav said. “Right before a match, I try to get hype.”

Senior Annabelle Sun described her approach to preparing for matches.

“I mentally prepare for my match by sleeping,” Sun said. “When we have away matches, I tend to sleep on the bus to the match. This allows me to relax. I also listen to music.”

Sun further described her preparation routine and what she packs for matches.

“Before my match, I prepare everything I may need for the match. For example, I made sure I have extra grips, water, and snacks that I can eat during the match. I also make sure I have a visor and all my necessities. During warm ups, I make sure to stretch extra for matches to prevent injuries,” Sun said.

Yadav spoke about the role that mindset plays in tennis.

“I try to think of [mistakes] as a one-off thing,” Yadav said. “I try to have a new mindset for every point.”

Govindarajan explained her strategy for motivation.

“I talk to myself for motivation. I also think about where I went wrong if I lose a point to stay focused,” Govindarajan said.

Sun explained how the team’s culture impacts her performance.

“The wins and the team environment allow me to push myself in tennis,” Sun said. “Our team is also really supportive of each other, as well as the coaches, which also allows me to push myself to constantly improve.”

Sun spoke about the team’s goals and how they hope to make it further in their championship matches than last year

“For this season, I hope that our team can make it to State,” Sun said. “We were unable to achieve this goal the previous seasons, so all of us are hoping to make it this year. Because this is my last season within my high school career, I hope to finish strong and make a lot of memories with my teammates.”