After many years of McClancy having only a boys tennis team, McClancy has now officially established a girls tennis team!
After all these years of having only a boys tennis team at McClancy, there is finally a girls tennis team! Coach Larry Hawkins and assistant coach Jimmy Roland, who have been coaching the boys tennis team for many years now, are absolutely ecstatic to have started the first year of this program. Throughout the eight weeks of this program, the girls have worked very diligently to do their absolute best in winning every match.
This year senior Christina Acosta and junior Ruth Madariaga have developed great teamwork skills which helped win many matches. Zofia Ucinek and Jude Frank, a junior and sophomore, have been able to overcome many challenges they have to face this season. As only a freshman, Nadia Tusinea has impressed everyone with her ability to rule the court as first singles. She has won many entertaining matches, keeping everyone on their feet. Nicole Vargas,a junior, has improved significantly since her freshman year. She attacked every shot that came at her with a mindset to win. Mary D’arcy, a sophomore, has won almost every match she played this year as third singles.
In order to truly understand the experience of the girl’s tennis team, we interviewed some members of the team.
First, sophomore Alessia Como answered the following questions:
What has been a drastic change you’ve experienced from last year being a co-ed team to now having a team for just girls?
Alessia stated, “From the team last year to now, it’s obvious that there’s more competition.” For Alessia, practicing, training, and getting a fair chance at playing was more emphasized and focused on this year, having two separate teams.
How does the team work together during practices?
Alessia stated, “The team does different drills and practices that help us grow connections with one another, improve our techniques, and be able to work with one another. Everyone gives each other tips and pointers to increase their abilities and encourage everyone to train their hardest and do their best.”
What has been the biggest learning experience you’ve had while being on the team?
She responded with “Learning how to work together and how to become the best version of yourself in tennis.” She had to develop certain team-bonding skills and train and practice many hours and long days in order to get better. She realized that she’s also not going to always win and that sometimes it’s okay to lose because losing leads to improvement and with practice and discipline comes mastery.
Next, we interviewed sophomore Jude Frank on the environment on the girl’s tennis team:
The summer before freshman year, she played pickle ball over the summer. She fell in love with the sport, and heard that there was a tennis team which sparked her interest. As soon as she tried out, she knew she made the right decision. She was thrilled when she heard she made the team.
What has been your favorite experience being on the tennis team thus far?
Her favorite experience by far is the van rides home from games and the bonding experiences she developed with the girls and coaches. The van rides home were more than just a trip for Jude. “There was an uplifting spirit when people lost and when we won the environment was even better.”
What is one accomplishment and one setback you’ve faced while being on the tennis team?
One accomplishment for Jude would be making the first doubles spot. Jude recalls that this was one of her proudest moments while being on the team. A setback Jude has faced was losing her first few games of the season, however, she never felt discouraged because her coaches always had faith in her to do better and to keep improving.
How would you describe the relationship you have with your teammates?
Jude states that her and her teammates have an incredible relationship and connected with one another very quickly. Jude states, “After practices we would sometimes go out to eat, i will cherish these moments forever and I am thankful to have such phenomenal teammates.”
Finally, give everyone a quick summary about the team as a whole and what has made your experience worthwhile.
Jude states, “Everybody works well together, we all get along famously, we lift together up when we are down, and we support each other through our highs and lows.”
Finally, sophomore Mary D’arcy spoke to us about how amazing her involvement in the tennis team has been.
How has being on tennis shaped your McClancy experience thus far?
The vibe of being on the team allowed her to make friends, especially when she was in her freshman year. It was a great way for her to bond with her peers and form connections that will last throughout their high school careers. From being on the team, Mary learned leadership skills, the ability to cooperate with teammates, to perform well under pressure and to confident in herself and her abilities.
How would you describe the relationship you and your teammates have with the coaches?
Mary states, ”Our coaches help us stay positive and keep trying even when the outcome isn’t looking too bright.” The coaches give her and her teammates incredible advice that aids them in becoming the best version of themselves. “One thing about our coaches is that they certainly celebrate when we win, they will bring snacks and play music in the van, creating a comfortable and exciting atmosphere.”
How do you feel about the fact the girls get their own team this year?
Mary was extremely thrilled about the fact the girls got their own team. “We felt more independent and got the ability to shine on our own.” Mary stated that they were the one of the only teams to be co-Ed at McClancy, and the fact that the girls got their own teams but them closer together and made them feel included.
The girls got into the play offs and ended the season in 3rd place! Both coaches are very proud of the first year of the girls program. Not only will the girls team be getting official uniforms but also be practicing throughout the year to have another excellent season next school year!
