After the small turnout for the girls’ tennis team tryouts, many thought the campus would not manage to scrape together a team. One week before school hosted tennis tryouts, only two freshmen showed up, despite an expected turnout of upperclassmen.

However, during the second week, Hannah Palmer, ’11, and Emily Daniel, ’12, were convinced by athletic director Cynthia Ward to join the team.

“I’m glad that we have a tennis team, especially after being concerned that we might not have one,” Ward said. “Most of the girls who had signed up had decided to play other sports or focus on academics.”

One week later, the team added five more players: Da Eun Sunwoo, ’09, Brandi Thompson, ’12, Nicole Hensley, ’12, Rachel Dadian, ’12 and Valencia Stephens, ’13.

Many potential players were not informed about the team, and did not realize the campus was starting one, including Hensley.

“I didn’t even know the team had started practicing until Mrs. Ward asked us if we’d be interested in playing,” Hensley said. “Otherwise I would’ve joined earlier. It’s a lot of fun being out there with my friends though. I’d encourage others to join.”

Some others joined later because playing tennis was an only option, including Thompson.

“I joined because my friends were going to play and I had nothing else to do,” Thompson said. “My favorite part of being in tennis is being with my friends and having a good time on the court.”

Despite the small turnout, new coach Brittany Salley says she is happy to have the opportunity to coach a team.

“I enjoy seeing my players improve and have fun while competing to the best of their ability,” Salley said. “While winning would be great, this year I want them to realize that winning isn’t everything. How you compete is what determines if you’ve tried your best or helped your team. To me, the team is already destined to win based on their great character.”

Salley says the all first-time players will have a good time, even if they lose some matches.

“It will be a great experience and a fun time,” Salley said. “Hopefully next year they will use their playing experience from this year and conquer the courts just like they’ve done with their attitude this year.”

This is the first year of a new chapter for the campus tennis team. For the last 20 years, George Freeman coached the tennis team before leaving last year.

Salley has coached many places before including Buchanan, Copper River Country Club, and Peoples Church tennis camps. She enjoys tennis, soccer, dancing and also just graduated from Fresno Pacific in 2009.

For more information, read the Girls’ tennis sport shorts, 2009.