Teresa Loh
Tennis is a tough game of both physical skill and mental strategy. Both of these components are equally important, and the Steinert girls tennis team has demonstrated both of these traits through determination shown throughout the fall 2022 season.
The final score of the season is 4 wins and 9 loses, however, these numbers do not accurately reflect the accomplishments of the team or of the individuals. Their achievements should not be diminished by looking at these numbers.
When one looks at the High School teams in Mercer County and the surrounding areas, one will see the competitive nature of tennis in this region. Some of the High School Teams in Mercer County are among the best in the state, and continue onto the state championships. Many of these schools have many resources to learn and improve someone's tennis skills.
Unfortunately, Steinert does not have all the resources that other schools in the Mercer County area may have. Competing with these schools is a real challenge, as the Steinert girls are facing an uphill battle against many more resources, opportunities, and time. Many of the girls from other schools have been playing since a young age, and as any tennis player will say, it is difficult to obtain the years of experience that others may have.
Many of the girls at Steinert come to the courts without having played beforehand, and a desire to learn the sport. These goals are commendable as they are up against tough competition. Their want and willingness to try a new sport is something to admire. Trying a new sport at this age would be difficult for anyone, and their efforts are continuous through the season. Although the number of wins are low, the Steinert girls tennis team has excelled in other ways. The girls' skill and knowledge of the game has grown at a fast rate throughout the season, and they fight hard against their opponents. These are all seen as wins for the team and for the individuals themselves.
Continuing to have a positive mentality, after so many losses, is perhaps the hardest thing to do during the season. Many of the girls have thrived in this area, using their perseverance through the hardest of matches. Seeing other teams that have infinitely more experience and constantly losing to them is mentally draining and challenging for the Steinert girls. Keeping up a positive mindset and not giving up is not an easy task, but the girls here at Steinert demonstrate determination in every match.
The lineup for the 2022 season was Teresa Loh at first singles, Makenna Swasey at second singles, Ashika Shah at third singles, Danielle Moser and Bethany Marusky at first doubles, Alyssa Buker and Melina Broselli at second doubles, and Madison Peoples and Gracie Feijo at first alternates. These girls make up the varsity tennis team. The JV team included Aleena Khan, Alejandra Picon, Ashlee Ernest, Chelsea Ramil, Geneva Boahene, Isabella Oswald, Jayda Douglas, Karolina Trzuskot, Katie Meija, Maria Rizk, and Samantha Schneider. Every one of these girls has demonstrated their passion to play and learn the sport.
The 2022 girls tennis season has been one of many challenges, but the girls have shown their strength by continuing to persevere and enjoy the sport. In the end, it's not about how many wins or loses the team has, but the love of the game and the bonds that have been formed between the girls.