Girls’ tennis season is a fun and exciting time for the coaches and players. Even though the team may be small, they are still mighty. Last year the girl’s tennis season was on a roll with a varsity record of 13-1. As the team only lost one game, they were motivated and on top of their game. The girls made it to the state championship and won in the finals with one of the standout players, Aubrey Nisbet ‘23, leading the team to victory. The top three singles players were Aubrey Nisbet ‘23, Alexis Montana ‘22, and Ava Rubano ‘24. As the Wilmington Friends community is entering spring sports season this year, the girl’s tennis team is reuniting and hoping to come out stronger. The lineup for starting singles this year consists of Aubrey Nisbet ‘23, Ava Steinberger ‘23, and Emma Larson ‘25. The head coaches are Gabbie Feldman and Ken Dill. So far this season the team has had two matches and won both. As for last year from winning the state championship title, the team has a lot to live up to this year, especially if they want to go for two.
Tennis is a mind game. One’s mentality is very important to the team and to yourself as well. The competition itself can be intense and scary, especially if you play singles because you have no partner to confide in and communicate with. The connection between players helped team through last year because they not only challenged themselves but really proved themselves. A state championship title is an honorable thing for the team, and this year they are anticipating many wins and are anxious to get the season on a move. Every day the team starts practice with a “quote of the day” that brings the girls together and sets their intentions and goals for the day. Every practice ends with the saying “Kick Ace!” This saying displays that throughout practice, the team does their very best to encourage each other.
Aubrey Nisbet ‘23, standout player of the team was asked a few questions on her thoughts about the upcoming season. After being asked about last year’s success, she explains, “It will definitely be hard to live up to our win last year because we made history at the school, but we plan to win again! I think everyone who was on the team last year wants to experience the win again, and the new girls are just as excited and motivated to be state champions as well!” This shows how the team continues to exceed everyones expectations time and time again. Nisbet had a motivating response when asked about the challenges for this season. She explains, “I think this year Tower Hill will be the team to beat. Last season we beat them last year for the first time in over 15 years and I know we can do it again. We just need to bring our confidence and energy to the match.” Tower Hill and St. Andrews have always been one of the teams toughest opponents, but they repeatedly show how they can come out on top.
In order to come as far as they did last year, they will need to be energetic, play their best, and kick ace! Good luck girls!