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Women’s tennis team enjoys smashing success

snoadmin

October 3, 2012

By Madison Watts, Editor-in-Chief

The team gathers for a serious huddle before a big conference match against Reagan, but the overflowing box of postgame snacks shows another side of the team.

The varsity women’s tennis team at Reynolds High School strives for the delicate balance between fun and focus. And from the looks of their 14-1 record and close camaraderie, they seem to have succeeded. Under coach A.J. Highsmith, the players have challenged for the Central Piedmont 4-A Conference championship and show much promise for the postseason.

“I honestly think that we can go all the way and win a championship,” Highsmith said. “People think I’m crazy, but no team has ever won a state championship without believing it can happen.”

Even with his big ambitions for the team, Highsmith understands the girls are student-athletes who deal with a lot of pressures already. He tries to keep practices light unless something really needs to be worked on.

Senior Maggie Irvin enjoys the light atmosphere of the team and loves that the Demons have bonded so quickly. She said the girls love supporting each other in matches, especially over snacks.

“Tennis is not like most team sports,” Irvin said. “It’s not working together in the normal sense, since we aren’t in the same game, but it’s cheering each other on and pushing your teammates to be the best they can be in their own matches.”

Senior Laney Spencer agrees.

“I love being with my team and being able to see how we each improve individually,” Spencer said.

Knowing that the girls work well together, Highsmith said there is no need to approach difficult matches any differently.

“With a big match, I do everything the same. There’s no need to overplay good teams, or underplay the others,” Highsmith said. “We do the same routine every game so it becomes second nature.”

The 11-person team will continue to use this strategy as it finishes up its conference matches. In the words of Highsmith, “the sky is the limit” for this close-knit family as the Demons aim high for the postseason.