Bayside High School
Process of Hardwork and Teamwork to Victory
By: Gabriella Maya
One, two, three, BAYSIDE!!!!! The Bayside Girls Varsity Tennis season has come to an end. With hard work, determination, and desire, the team made it through another season filled with joy, laughter, and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Prepping way before the school year began, the team was eager to kick off the season at roughly the beginning of September throughout the end of mid-October. While the team faced many challenges on Bayside’s Athletic Field, Flushing Meadow Park, and other high school fields, there was one key element throughout it all. It was how the team faced them all together - as one.
The overview of Bayside High School’s Girls Varsity Tennis team showcases a few of the athletes' thoughts on their experiences with tennis and suggestions for individuals starting out the sport. While the team may not have been on top this season, they sure were on top when it came to smiling and having a good time with their teammates, all while trying to improve their skills. They were together with the whistling wind on their backs, playing under the bright sun, and enjoying the popping rhythm of the rallies. They were free and having fun. They were and are Bayside High School Commodores.
Tennis is a sport that incorporates strategic thinking, patience, reflexes, and form. It is undoubtedly a welcoming sport here at Bayside High School for all and many. As captain of the team, Bayside High School sophomore Deanna Kim, suggests, “The best piece of advice I’d give to someone who just started playing tennis is to be consistent. It will be tough and frustrating in the beginning but remember that improvement takes time, dedication, and hard work. Most importantly, have fun and embrace a growth mindset!”
Similarly, a recent member of the team, Bayside High School junior Sabrina Lin says, “Joining the tennis team has made my passion for tennis even stronger. Mainly because of the people on the team who help train and coach me. Even though I joined this year, I feel even more encouraged to play.” Team bonding and good sportsmanship are useful qualities for behavior and attitude when starting something new.
Despite this, there are also moments where challenges are faced and where true endurance begins to start. Bayside High School senior Samyukta Kataru said, “One of my greatest weaknesses in tennis is my backhand. To improve, I do exercises such as oblique twists and just swinging my racket back and forth. During the spring, I practiced hitting the ball against the wall with my backhand at least 30 times.”
In addition, Bayside High School senior Alyssa Barat said, “One important lesson I’ve learned is the value of hard work and never letting obstacles deter your progress in the sport. You should keep trying to be the best version of yourself. What really helps me to do so is putting in hard work when practicing.” Many say practice makes perfect, but for this season’s seniors, it is more than ever. It is the willingness to go out of one’s way to make time and put in the effort to improve consistently.
Taking everything into account, tennis can be defined in many distinct ways. A stress reliever, an art, a love, and so much more. But, if one thing is shown by the Bayside Girls Varsity Tennis Team, it is that tennis is not just a sport, ranking, or match. Bayside tennis is a patience-driven friendship that brings many together through the love of the sport. Bayside tennis is family.
Season Wrap : Bayside High School Fall Sports
By: Larissa Codallos
Bayside High School experienced a successful fall sports season. This year, we had numerous teams playing and winning games. This recap highlights the teams that have made exceptional progress and features interviews with team members to showcase their thoughts about the season. They were asked three questions:
What is your recap of the season?
2) What were some hardships that you or your team faced and how did you overcome them?
3) What is your most memorable moment during the season and why?
Varsity Soccer - Boys
Our Boys Varsity Soccer Team had quite the successful season. They were able to make it to the playoffs and many came out to support them on the field. One of their memorable moments was playing against Francis Lewis HS. Their captain, Victord Lozano, was able to score and block multiple penalties. When all hope seemed lost, Alexis Peñaranda scored the winning penalty. It was an exciting moment that showcased good sportsmanship. Overall, the players showed determination and love for their sport.
Varsity Soccer Girls
This year, the Girls Varsity Soccer Team pulled through exceptionally and won a total of seven games, making it to the playoffs. Sherlyn Valasquez, a senior soccer player at Bayside High School says:
“I think we did really well this season. We won a lot and we lost a little bit, but overall I think this was a very fun season.”
“I don't think we had many difficulties. I tried to make the most of this season because it is my last year and I wanted it to be memorable. I don't think I faced a lot of difficulties this season.”
“One of the most memorable moments was during practice. Coach K. made us play a scrimmage and whoever lost would have to do exercises like burpees and jumping jacks. It was fun because when you won, you got to see the other team do the excruciating exercises We were in a friendly competition with each other.”
Cross Country Girls
This season, the Cross Country Girls Team gave it their all, earning many wins and awards. Norma Flores, a senior at Bayside High School, gives insight on the season:
“For us, the fall season was mostly cross country focused. I had to get used to this and really try to grow together as a team, especially since I had done soccer last year and had to get used to running up and down hills. It was something completely different to outdoor track. We faced a few downs, but we had many ups which I am really glad about.”
“Some difficulties I faced throughout the season were training for the course. Especially at Van Cortlandt. It is known as a difficult race because of its hills. There were times I wanted to stop and start walking but I did not want the person behind me to catch up. Every time I had practice, I would say I was practicing so no one could pass me. I'm glad it worked and I was actually able to pass people.”
“ One of my most memorable moments from the season was Borough Championships. I placed twenty for my race. I also enjoyed the City Championship, where I got my P.R. which is a 25.01 for 3.10 miles.”
Boys Bowling
The hard work and dedication of the Boys Bowling Team made this year pay off and was heavily rewarded with a 1st Place Championship win. Senior Justin Jin gave us more insight about the championship games:
“The season was pretty nice, new people joined, and there were some who have been bowling since a young age; it felt like the team was in its prime.”
“We faced a lot of good teams, especially Francis Lewis HS. We lost every game to them last year, but this year we made a comeback and ultimately won.”
“The B team was undefeated until the last and final match.”
