The end of the school year is quickly approaching, which means spring sports are coming to a close. The Lewis Cass Girls’ Tennis Team has had an extremely successful season, being undefeated for a large portion of the season. With the end of the season comes many emotions for the seniors, melancholy, for the bittersweet end of their high school tennis career. For the rest of the team, it brings excitement for next season and the usual sadness that comes with saying goodbye to the seniors.
Usually, with the end of a sports season, teams reflect on accomplishments, their overall performance, and most importantly, the memories made along the way. While the memories of winning matches are always good, that is not what comes to mind for many. Senior and number three singles player, Eliana Cicalo, shared some of her highlights from her tennis career. “The best moments for me have been when the whole team is just hanging out together. Our team is lucky enough to have so many great girls that are awesome to be around both on and off the court, and while it is always great to win together, the moments of laughter, playing games, and simply hanging out are what I will always remember about the team.” There is nothing better than team bonding at practice, and all the moments the team gets to share together, whether it be through wins or losses, the team always has each other’s backs.
Throughout the season, there are so many opportunities to meet new people and get to know them better. Whether it be a girl from an opposing team or someone on the team you just have not gotten the chance to talk to, friendships are a prominent part of the season. Guadelupe Gonzalez, number two singles player and senior, said, “I could say the friendships I made along the way have been by far the best memorable moments. Going out there and playing your favorite sport along with your best friends is a memory I will never forget.”
This particular batch of seniors is a group of extremely hardworking girls who are always willing to go the extra mile. They are always up for staying later after practice to improve their tennis skills and get better. With many new faces on the varsity team, the girls quickly proved themselves to be hardworking and willing to do what it takes to get better.
The season wrapping up also means the focus is shifting to sectional matches, which are coming up quickly. Throughout the next week, the varsity girls will be hard at work preparing for sectionals, which will take place at Logansport High School on May 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, times TBD. Coach Matt Hurst shared his hopes for sectionals: “I just hope everyone does well and we come out with a win.” With strong leadership, team unity, and a season full of drive and dedication, the Lewis Cass Lady Kings are ready to give all they have.
No matter the outcome at sectionals, the legacy of this season will live on, not just in records or trophies, but in the memories, life lessons, and friendships that tennis has brought for each player. Congratulations to the Lewis Cass Girls’ Tennis Team on a remarkable season, and best of luck at sectionals!