The Trial of Girl's Tennis

For two years, Masterman’s girl’s tennis team failed to make it to the championships. Then, while still reeling from their losses last year, Ms. Tooke, their beloved coach, suddenly left Masterman, which dampened optimism. Their expectations for the fall 2023 season were at an all-time low, but as the games unfolded, they experienced victories on a scale that the team hadn't seen for years. The scoreboard reflected a commendable performance with 10 wins and 2 losses, but a closer look reveals a narrative of resilience, camaraderie, and growth.

The departure of Ms. Tooke, a former Division 1 player, Masterman gym teacher for  4 years, and a guiding force for the team, was extremely challenging. However, the team's resilience shone through as they adapted to a new coach, Ms. Laura, a sign language interpreter at Masterman for the last six years who also coached the Badminton team last year. Despite initial difficulties, the captains played a crucial role in helping Ms. Laura understand the nuances of the game. “I mainly struggled to understand the lingo,” Ms. Laura said. “And when you can’t understand the language, it makes it harder to know what is happening. I appreciated the time the kids took to make sure I understood what was happening.” The continued communication with Ms. Tooke and the supportive nature of Ms. Laura highlighted the team's ability to navigate change with grace and determination.

Throughout the season, the team faced both victories and setbacks that defined their journey on and off the court. The team's 10-2 record showcased their prowess as the only two losses were against Central. Despite a loss at the Philadelphia Public League tournament, individual games were closely contested, highlighting the team's competitive spirit. 

Pre-match rituals and warm-ups played a pivotal role in fostering unity. From laps around the courts to synchronized side shuffles, the warm-up routine served as a metaphor for the team's coordination on the court. The leadership of team, captains Ana Sorrentino (11-4), Giulia Sheth (11-4), and Joyce Chen (12-1), guiding their teammates through stretches and exercises, exemplified the team's commitment to collective success. The tradition of sharing favorite exercises added a touch of individuality to the team's preparation, reinforcing their unique identity.

The team captains' role extended beyond the court, ensuring players were hydrated and cheered from the sidelines. The power of encouragement and motivation was evident as teammates stood by each other during matches, creating a supportive environment that transcended individual performances.

One of the most important games in the season was the Archbishop Carroll game. For the team it was very stressful as it was the game that determined whether they qualified for the state tournament. When they managed to clinch the overall score of 4-1, the team was elated as two players, Joyce Chen and Rena Liu would be able to go on to states. The win against Archbishop Carroll showcased the team's perseverance and determination. 

When Chen and Liu went to the Hershey Racquet Club, where the state tournament took place, they knew they would have challenging experiences ahead for multiple reasons. The most notable one being that they had to work together in a doubles format for the first time. “Joyce and I were normally single players and we were not used to communicating with someone else in the game,” Liu says. On top of having to overcome the unfamiliarity of playing doubles, Rena and Joyce also knew that their competition was incredibly tough. “We were less experienced than every other team and we knew we were going to lose,” Chen said. Despite losing in the first match of states 1-6, 0-6, Rena and Joyce demonstrated the team's ability to come together and have fun. “Rena and I just made sure we enjoyed ourselves,” Chen said. 

In conclusion, this past tennis season was not just about wins and losses on the scoreboard. It was a testament to the team's unity, adaptability, and unwavering spirit in the face of challenges. As they move forward, fall 2023 will serve as the season where the girl’s tennis team’s perseverance and determination paid off and they saw immense success.