Recently, the tennis team finished their fall doubles season and made it all the way to the UIL Area Championships after going undefeated in district for 15 games, before ultimately losing to Frisco Centennial in the 18th round.
“Everyone is super passionate and we all really care, this fall season has been great and I’m so grateful for my teammates for making it so fun and I’m so proud of them for performing so well” Senior Captain Jordan Laurie said
Despite their loss in the finals, they have already begun training for their spring season, which consists of only singles matches. With a roster consisting nearly half of seniors, leadership and experience is present in nearly every aspect of the team.
“As a team, our energy is great.” Senior Captain Lauren Chandler said “We cheer each other on, and it really helps us build up our momentum, which really helped us in the fall and I think it will really help us in the spring.”
Driven by a mindset of constant repetition and practice, players show up to practice each afternoon with the intent of getting better each game.
“Iron sharpens iron approach,” Head Coach Vince Sharp said. “Even if we’re not getting great competition with the other schools, they get it in practice.”
On the road to reaching their peak performance, the Scots faced off against opponents such as Southlake Carrol and Allen, along with Frisco Centennial, each of which are in the top 3 in their division. Despite losing against these teams, the Scots haven’t slowed their momentum, instead using the loss to prepare them for future seasons.
“We definitely felt a little discouraged after that [loss], but we tried to take what we could from it, learn from it and use what we’ve practiced to collectively improve,” Laurie said. “Those matches showed us where we needed to grow and what we needed to work on.”
The team has focused on maintaining a strong work ethic and remaining dedicated to one another throughout the season. Consistent effort in both practices and matches, along with supporting teammates, emphasizes the importance of commitment and collaboration.
“Hard work and loyalty to our teammates is what lets us win tennis matches,” Senior Captain Lauren Chandler said. “Everyone collectively, and all the hard work we’ve put in for each other.”
It’s not just tennis where the players can apply these lessons to, but their personal lives as well. Whether it be leadership skills or teamwork, each aspect of tennis adds something to the players lives.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot of really important skills that I’ve needed, like responsibility and communication.” Laurie said. “[Also] having a true passion for something and working, doing everything you can to work towards a goal.”
Utilizing experiences and skill gained, the Scots are always fully prepared for a match. Before games, they will circle up and hold a group prayer, along with giving speeches. Right before the games start, the Scots perform the “hoorah” in which they chant “hoorah” louder and louder, in order to get everyone exited. Despite the preparation, some players still feel pressure as matches approach, which is where their teammates come into help.
“It just weighs so much on your mental game,” Laurie said “If you’re stuck in your mind thinking about the match and worrying about losing, you have your teammates there with you.”
Ultimately, despite losing in the quarterfinals, the team has built a powerful foundation. As the next season approaches, they hope to utilize past experiences and translate it into success come the spring singles season, where only one player will be on the court for each team.
“We all took something from it,” Laurie said. “We all worked super hard and we’re really proud of that.”
