Serving Up Success: Girls Tennis Team Spotlight

Written by: Prashitha Kanipaku (‘29)

“5-0!” Lawrence Wins!” This was the final score against Hamilton West where our Lawrence High Girls Tennis team achieved victory. Senior team captain Sara Kwasniewski says, “I had a really tough match and it was hard to push through, but I had my entire team there to support and advise me through it, and because of that, we won 5-0 against them.” This is just one of many. From the vigorous swing of the racket to perfectly articulated hits of the ball, our Lawrence High Girls Tennis team plays every one of their games with power. The foundation of their glory lies in their dedication and true passion that makes them strive for success. 

The Girls Tennis coaches this year are Mr. Antonio Stapleton and Mr. Dan Christel. The senior team captains are Roshni Anarkat and Sara Kwasniewski. Tennis has been a big part of their high school career. Now they get to continue their tennis career by mentoring and assisting their fellow peers and underclassmen while doing what they love. 

Senior LHS Girls Tennis Players leading the charge and bringing the energy to their least season at LHS!

To give an inside perspective of the Girls Tennis team, freshman Peyton Gelb, freshman Kelsey Schreibersdorf, sophomore Iniya Ilayaraja, junior Diana Victoriano Menendez, and senior captain Sara Kwasniewski share their tennis experience. 

How long have you been playing tennis?

Iniya (Sophomore):

 “I’ve been playing tennis for around 2 years now, but I've always enjoyed playing on courts with my dad since I was 10.”  

Diana (Junior):

“I’ve been playing for two years. I started my sophomore year and it was my first time playing tennis. It was the best decision I have ever made.”

What do you enjoy most about being part of the team?

Sara (Senior tennis team captain):

“I enjoy being around my team because of the bond we all have. We’re all basically a family and because of that the practices and games are all enjoyable because of all the jokes and conversations we have.”

Peyton (Freshman):

“i enjoy the bonding and sisterhood made by a team.”

What’s been your favorite game or moment of the season so far?

Diana (Junior):

“[There was] this one specific game where me and my partner thought we would lose to a really good school, but we managed to win. It showed how much we have grown and were able to defeat our opponents when working together while also having fun.”

Kelsey (Freshman): 

“My favorite moment was making candy salad on the bus on the way to a match and all the times we spent telling jokes and laughing.”

What is the toughest part of being a student-athlete during tennis season?

Iniya (Sophomore):

“The toughest part about being a student athlete is probably trying to balance my social and academic life alongside tennis. Yes, it may seem hard, but all that you need is motivation.”

Sara (Senior tennis team captain):

“The hardest part about being a student athlete during the season is having to balance everything out. It’s hard to keep up with all your work and especially as a senior with applying to colleges and all of that. Sometimes you’d have to do work on the bus on the way to games or after you play a match because by the time you got home, it was super late and you would have to stay up late to finish everything, and the cycle repeated itself so you were exhausted everyday.”

How do you and your teammates keep each other motivated?

Peyton (Freshman):

“We make jokes and lighten the spirit throughout the season.”

Kelsey(Freshman): 

“We love to cheer each other on and give each other pointers. It’s encouraging to have teammates, who play alongside you, help you get better and grow.”

All in all, there is more beyond the rackets. As the LHS Girls Tennis team continues to achieve victory through hard work and their love for their sport that motivates them, this behind-the-scenes look shows that their successes are ones to remember. Support our fellow Girls Tennis players! Here's to a memorable tennis season and many more to come!