Alice Zhang,
Cumulative GPA: 4.0 Plans: Computer Science, University of Connecticut (or Florida)
Although I wish I could have played for Silver Creek Girls’ Tennis for longer than four years, I must say that it has been very fulfilling. I have learned many valuable lessons from participating on this team that I will take with me in my future endeavors. One of the most rewarding outcomes from playing on this tennis team was the lasting bonds I made. Because the team was made up of girls from all grades from freshman to seniors, it gave me the chance to interact with my peers and allowed me to learn from them, whether it was to have more fun and relax or advice about how to survive high school. Encouraging and cheering each other on was also a crucial part of the team dynamic and strengthened our bond. I usually like to do things independently, but this simple act reminded me that there are always people there for me and motivation can go a long way. Trying my best and never giving up until the end was also something I learned and applied to daily life. While playing, there was always a chance to turn the game around even if prospects of winning seemed feeble. The very least I could do was just to try to play my best, which usually translated to better results and a more enjoyable match. Finally, I learned to stay calm. I needed to figure out solutions fast while acting as a captain this year, and keep the team from entering frenzies when something went wrong. I also experienced this while playing one of my most memorable matches of my high school tennis career, the match that would decide if we went to CCS or not. With the support of my teammates, I was able to remain composed and prevail.
Lauren Vo,
Cumulative GPA: 3.9 Plans: undecided, most likely UC Davis as a managerial economics major
Add-out. My heart pounded furiously; sweat accumulated at the handle of my racket as I prepared to return serve. I took a deep breath and gave my partner a thumbs up. Focusing on the ball as it rushed at me, I swung my racket and hit a crosscourt shot to win the deciding match for our team. My teammates cheered as my partner and I smiled proudly at our accomplishment. When I first joined the junior varsity tennis team as a freshman, I didn’t know many of the players and lacked confidence in my skills. Because of this, I would just go with the flow and do whatever I was told to, but I never pushed myself to do more. Furthermore, the competitive aspect of tennis scared me. Negative thoughts of losing and not being good enough polluted my mind and pulled me down. As a doubles player, I would often be the deciding match for my team. When my partner and I consistently lost one match after another, our team started doubting our ability to win. My disappointment and doubt took a heavy toll on me, and I realized I had to adjust my mindset to help us win. I couldn’t change the past, but I could prepare myself and my team for the future.1 I began by motivating myself and my partner. For example, if we won our match, we could reward ourselves afterwards; if we got discouraged while playing, we would joke around to help lighten the mood. Our positive attitude helped us win more matches and eventually spread throughout our whole team. This year, as co-captain of our team, I helped encourage more positivity by fostering connections between the JV and varsity players. Joining my school’s tennis team is one of the best decisions I have made. I am so thankful for my amazing coach and teammates who have supported me and pushed me to work harder and explore my skills. With the help of my tennis team and coach, I have found my self-confidence and resilience and been able to inspire others. In tennis, I have learned to cultivate a positive mindset that has helped me tremendously in my performance and has also helped me to lead my Science Olympiad team to the state competition and helped guide my siblings through a difficult time when my father was in the hospital. By remaining positive, working hard, and persevering, I have become a better player, student, and sister.
Andrew Nguyen
Cummulative GPA: 3.79 Plans: CSU Long Beach, Business Admin
In society, tennis is often viewed as a “soft” sport, designed for individuals who lack the athletic ability to engage in excessive physical activity. This stigmatized view implanted into my mindset, and for a few years, I believed the same societal view the outside world had on tennis. Ashamed of admitting that I play tennis, I often deferred conversation topics to avoid the embarrassment I would face by admitting my love for the sport. It was the 4 years of playing varsity tennis at Silver Creek that showed me how competitive tennis could get, along with the toll it takes both mentally and physically.
As a freshman, I eagerly attended the long awaited tennis meeting thinking I could beat anybody in the room. I felt untouchable. Although the first part was true, it was the false confidence I portrayed that would eventually lead me to a giant disappointment during the season.
When Willow Glen High School had visited us for the first time, I had already grown a reputation in my league for being undefeated as a freshman. My Singles 1 opponent was shorter than me, skinnier than me, and overall looked like he lacked in every physical way compared to me. My coach said it was to be an easy game, so I underestimated him. From the beginning, my head wasn’t in the game and I continued to make unforced errors. Noticing that, my opponent consistently hit easy shots back to me, knowing I would get in over my head and completely whiff the ball out. I had concluded the game losing 3-6, 1-6, losing my undefeated record, to a guy who outplayed me and made me lose off of my own mistakes. The frustration I had towards myself as I evaluated my game is what led me to the success I hold right now as I finish first in the Santa Teresa Division, advancing to the BVAL tournament.
To play one point at a time, as well as soak in the present and live in the moment. Overthinking caused me to lose on my own will and eventually will cause me to miss out on bigger opportunities life provides. By continuing to persevere through each game, going with the flow, and most of all having fun, I prove to myself that the potential success is there, but the only person stopping me is my own limits I set on myself. Confidence in myself and trusting my own ability to make the choices I feel are best have made me the man I am today; and tennis is behind my intelligence.
Meghana Damojipurapu,
Cumulative GPA: 3.83 Plans(major and school): Computer Science at UCSC
As varsity singles 1 for four years and captain for two, I learned a lot of valuable lessons in my time at Silver Creek that I plan to take with me to college tennis. When I joined the team, I had no experience playing team tennis and it took me a while to adjust to the sisterhood and atmosphere. I was used to playing singles and having no one but myself to cheer me on. Throughout the 4 years I truly learned the importance of what it means to be a team player. Whether that is cheering a teammate on while they are playing, sending a good luck text, or helping them with their technique, a true team player rises to the occasion. Creating a healthy space for my teammates to ask for help has bonded us closer and I think that is important when you are working with so many people. Moreover, the past 4 years have taught me that being humble and showing sportsmanship will always mean more than any win. People will always remember you by the attitude and compassion you show on the court and that to me is more of a win than any trophy. This will help me in the future to stay humble and work hard for the things I want to achieve, whether it’s with tennis or career wise. Lastly, I learned that a leader should make everyone feel included. Every member no matter their role in the team is still a part of what makes the sisterhood work. My time at Silver Creek has given me the opportunity to play the sport I love while growing as a leader. I’ve made some amazing memories and learned a lot of valuable lessons at Silver Creek that I will carry with me forever.