Bellowing from courtside, as I scurry to the sidelines of court one, clumsily trying to put every ball back into the crate. Attempting to regain composure, I stand tall, my hands gripping my racket securely, maintaining an intense gaze into the fiery eyes of my determined coach. He quickly explains to us the next drill, before prompting us back to begin practicing.
The first time I picked up a tennis racquet was that first day of practice back in freshman year. I had assumed that most kids would be like me, first-time tennis players. However, I was quickly proven wrong as the top varsity player hit speeding balls that flew by me. After the end of that practice I felt horrible as I realized that I was probably the worst player on the team. Heading inside to return to the locker room, Coach Smith gave us his annual "first day of practice" speech. He told us that he was not going to make any cuts. Instead of kicking us off the team for our inability to play, he told us that he wanted us to stay and become better tennis players by learning from the members of the varsity squad.
Surprised by this statement, I realized that he had given me a chance to improve my tennis skills, and prove myself as a competitive tennis player. At each practice I poured my heart and soul into improving myself. I spent the rest of that first season sitting on the bench. However, as a sophomore, I was accepted on to the team.
My racquet became my pencil and Mr. Smith my textbook. At each practice I refined my techniques, wanting to become like the varsity players who had graduated, the ones Coach Smith always talked about. I became caught in a frenzy, spending every moment of every day anticipating endless hours of grinding pressure that resonated from the courts. The enormity of each match I played grew as the season forged on. I played doubles with one of the upperclassmen, whose guidance and patience on the court inspired the confidence I lacked as the newest addition to the team. On my own, I practiced at the courts near my house, sometimes staying out so late that I would miss dinner.
Emerging from my shell as a beginner, I rapidly improved my skills. Confident in the experience of my coach, I opened my mind to different perspectives on a sport that I thought had only one given approach. Coach Smith pointed out the players who had wasted almost half a decade under his wing, learning little from what he had to offer. It was then that I recognized my vast, yet fragile potential for growth under him. At every practice I could see my own skill improving as I started to win more and more matches. Qualifying for the Greater Middlesex Championship, I realized that I was becoming the very role model that I had once looked up to.
As I progressed through high school, my tennis career did, too. When junior year approached, I found myself fighting for a varsity spot. I accepted more responsibility for the team and felt an increased commitment to the sport. Though I am still no where close to a champ, I feel very comfortable with my significant improvements and appreciation for tennis. This is one game I am sure I will continue to participate in and relish for years to come! Tennis makes me feel alive, vibrant and passionate. I lose myself in the game completely and, for that period of time, nothing else exists. Tennis drives me to excel both on the court and in the classroom. It has taught me the meaning of hard work and resolve.
The first time I picked up a tennis racquet was that first day of practice back in freshman year. I had assumed that most kids would be like me, first-time tennis players. However, I was quickly proven wrong as the top varsity player hit speeding balls that flew by me. After the end of that practice I felt horrible as I realized that I was probably the worst player on the team. Heading inside to return to the locker room, Coach Smith gave us his annual "first day of practice" speech. He told us that he was not going to make any cuts. Instead of kicking us off the team for our inability to play, he told us that he wanted us to stay and become better tennis players by learning from the members of the varsity squad.
Surprised by this statement, I realized that he had given me a chance to improve my tennis skills, and prove myself as a competitive tennis player. At each practice I poured my heart and soul into improving myself. I spent the rest of that first season sitting on the bench. However, as a sophomore, I was accepted on to the team.
My racquet became my pencil and Mr. Smith my textbook. At each practice I refined my techniques, wanting to become like the varsity players who had graduated, the ones Coach Smith always talked about. I became caught in a frenzy, spending every moment of every day anticipating endless hours of grinding pressure that resonated from the courts. The enormity of each match I played grew as the season forged on. I played doubles with one of the upperclassmen, whose guidance and patience on the court inspired the confidence I lacked as the newest addition to the team. On my own, I practiced at the courts near my house, sometimes staying out so late that I would miss dinner.
Emerging from my shell as a beginner, I rapidly improved my skills. Confident in the experience of my coach, I opened my mind to different perspectives on a sport that I thought had only one given approach. Coach Smith pointed out the players who had wasted almost half a decade under his wing, learning little from what he had to offer. It was then that I recognized my vast, yet fragile potential for growth under him. At every practice I could see my own skill improving as I started to win more and more matches. Qualifying for the Greater Middlesex Championship, I realized that I was becoming the very role model that I had once looked up to.
As I progressed through high school, my tennis career did, too. When junior year approached, I found myself fighting for a varsity spot. I accepted more responsibility for the team and felt an increased commitment to the sport. Though I am still no where close to a champ, I feel very comfortable with my significant improvements and appreciation for tennis. This is one game I am sure I will continue to participate in and relish for years to come! Tennis makes me feel alive, vibrant and passionate. I lose myself in the game completely and, for that period of time, nothing else exists. Tennis drives me to excel both on the court and in the classroom. It has taught me the meaning of hard work and resolve.