For as long as I can remember, I have been playing tennis. My mom competed all the way through college when she was growing up, and then encouraged me and my sister to start playing from a young age. I've tried out lots of sports from club soccer to volleyball, and even golf – but nothing clicked with me quite like tennis. From there, I played on my junior high, high school, and now college team, never questioning if I should stop or try another sport. Going into my senior year of high school, I realized I was not ready to hang up the racquet bag, wanting to continue playing on for another four years because of the unconditional support and friendships my teammates brought me.
Coming to Hanover College, I knew absolutely no one. Two other people from my high school of almost 3,000 students were coming, but I had never spoken to either previously. I can remember coming onto campus for pre-season and instantly connecting with the girls on my team. While I joined Greek life later on that year, I consider my teammates sisters just as much as I do the members of my own sorority. They have pushed me to be my best and have given me invaluable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
While tennis is mainly an independent sport, they have taught me the value of communication and simply being there for each other. Whether you're cheering a teammate on in the stands during a conference match or on the court as your doubles partner, you are always there to motivate and to lift each other up. It fills my heart with happiness when I hear the girls on my team say to each other, "I couldn't have finished that without you cheering me on," or, "Thanks for being there for me throughout that match." We support each other no matter what. Winning or losing, I know my teammates will always have my back, and I will always do the same for them. There isn't too much more you can ask for when it comes to being a part of a college sport.
They've also taught me that being competitive is crucial. Tennis is full of challenge matches and a lineup that is constantly changing. Like everything else in life, you want to give 100 percent in your match play not only for yourself but for your teammates. We're all working to achieve our best and if you aren't giving practice your all, then how are you benefiting each other?
With this being said, there are some days when giving 100 percent just isn't possible. As athletes, we all have our off days, the days where we struggle, and the days where we just can't compete at the level we hoped for. True teammates will still be there cheering you on regardless, and understand that making mistakes will happen. As long as you learn from them, the support will always be there.
A tennis match is extremely similar to riding a roller coaster -- there are ups and downs. How you handle those ups and downs with your partner and with your team showcases a true test of character. I strive to practice good sportsmanship and respectfulness on the court, because my teammates deserve it and I know they will do the same for me. Today I would not be the person I am without the love and guidance of the women on our squad. So thank you, HCWT for all of this, for the laughs, the long road trips (and inside jokes), the unconditional love, and for teaching me what it truly means to be a team player.
