JA girls tennis finished off their 2023 fall season holding a record of 5-8. Bryan Deeken, a Jonathan Alder teacher, has been teaching history for 5 years and coaching girls tennis for 3 years. Deeken believes that the key to tennis is patience.
“If you want to play tennis you need to be patient with yourself and understand it’s going to take a lot of work to get what you want,” he says.
The girls tennis team has gone through a lot of highs and lows this season, which has required patience, but they have been growing from their mistakes. A highlight of their season was a wild comeback from Bellefontaine.
“We played Bellfountaine earlier this season and we were missing some players and ended up losing 2 to 0,” Deeken says, “but we were thankful to get a chance to come back and win a game. There with 4 to 1 which was a really great experience to come back and have a second chance.”
One of the reasons the girls did well this season is because of the seniors. These girls have led the team through each game.
According to Deeken, the tennis Class of 2024 have been leaders on the team. “I will miss how they have stepped into leadership roles,” Deeken says, “and their overall presence with the rest of the team.”
Senior Ella Sloat agrees with Deeken about the importance of team chemistry.
“Playing with my teammates after practice is something I will miss the most.”
