As we enter the warmer weather and Spring Break starts, girl’s tennis is back on the courts. Sophomore Sannvi Preedeep shares how they are preparing for the season with traditions like team bonding.

“The team is really close, and we all make sure to be there for each other, no matter who’s playing.” Pradeep said. “We have pasta parties during the season that help us bond and talk to new people.”

Participating in activities like pasta parties helps bring the team together, and Pradeep mentions how the team feels like a community she can count on.

“Being part of tennis at CNHS is so important to me because I have a community of girls that I can always count on, and I’ve made some of my closest friends through the team.” She adds, “I think being part of a team sport really helps you gain a whole group of friends and people to be with while staying active, and you get so many fun experiences that you’ll remember even after high school.”

Practices are Monday to Saturday weekly, for about two and a half hours, for almost all of the fourth quarter. Freshman Valeria Cortez is looking forward to joining the team this year, talks about hopes for the season.

“I hope to be able to support others and help the team spirit grow. I want to demonstrate good sportsmanship and develop a better version of myself on court,” Cortez said.

Cortez is new to the team, but has experience with welcoming others in a sport..

“I try to always encourage others and help them feel included and seen,” Cortez said.

Pradeep and Cortez are both athletes with busy schedules filled with tennis matches, they both have to make sure that they are able to balance the sport with academics.

“The 4th quarter usually has a lot of tests, and it can be challenging to want to do your homework after a long match or practice. I usually try to do all my homework before a match day so that I’m not stressed out at home,” Pradeep said.

Cortez shares a tip for staying on top of schoolwork.

“I play sports year-round, so balancing academics as an athlete is nothing new. Any time I get to do any assignments, I’ll take advantage of it so I don’t get behind.”

As well as academic stress, tennis players have to make sure they keep calm during a match. Pradeep talks about how she deals with stress in the heat of the moment during doubles matches.

“I like to just focus on the next point instead of worrying about the score and try to keep a good energy with my partner,” Pradeep said.

A key part of how Cortez handles pressure was keeping faith in her abilities.

“I tell myself that nerves are normal because being nervous in a way means that I care. I like to talk to someone for encouragement or pray before a match.”

Pradeep talks about how having teammates to travel with and cheer you up can be motivating.

“The bus rides to the matches are really fun because everyone’s excited. Cheering for your team and having people cheer for you really helps the team use other people’s energy to get motivated and keep going.”

Cortez sums up her experience leading into her debut season with the team.

“Tennis is a sport where you can meet awesome people and have insanely special experiences,” she said. “I’m so grateful for all the places I’ve been and people I’ve met through tennis, and I love the challenges and opportunities it brings me to be a better player on and off the court every day.”