New schools. New rules. New league.
Our girls tennis team still played in the Freeway League, and we still had Troy as an opponent — but we were now up against three additional high schools: El Dorado, Esperanza and Villa Park. As a second-year athlete on the team, I assumed that this season’s league would be no different from the last one.
Soon after the start of the season, I was proved wrong; the 2024 Freeway League changed to a whole new challenge to tackle and, surprisingly, a golden opportunity to improve both my tennis skills and mentality.
My opponents made me adapt quickly and created a more intense environment; they pushed me to my limits, which both motivated and trained me to become a better player.
I see releaguing as an opportunity to not only teach myself how to prepare before big matches but also to grow and become a better player overall. Competing against difficult opponents, like Esperanza and Troy, has taught me to adapt to different players more effectively and to recognize areas for improvement in my gameplay, specifically serving and volleys.
Personally, I have recently started practicing doubles and playing practice matches against a variety of players in my team; this allows me to experience different playing styles and to change based on them.
Until last year, every SH sports team participated in the Freeway League, which consisted of schools in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, excluding La Vista High School. Since the schools have been competing against each other since 1971, every match was simply a routine match; we knew our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses well.
For instance, we recognized that the match against Troy would be a tough challenge, so my teammates and I both mentally and physically prepared ourselves for it. Last year, my teammates, who had already been on the team for at least the previous season, warned me that Troy was a strong team and we had difficulty competing against them. As we awaited the upcoming game, we worked even harder to ensure we were ready to fight against Troy.
Previously, the starting lineup consisted of four singles players and four doubles teams, meaning every position would only play two games each. Beginning this school year, only three starting positions exist, which indicate who plays first for both singles and doubles in both JV and varsity. Everyone plays three sets, where the winner is determined by who reaches six games first instead of last year’s two.
The new rule was disadvantageous for athletes who were looking forward to moving up to starting positions since fewer spots were available. Personally, it pressured me to work harder to earn a starting position.
Increasing competition among teammates who were training to earn a starting position, this new starting system stressed me a bit, but it also inspired me to train harder and stay focused on my tennis season.
Now, both the SH girls JV and varsity tennis teams will compete in a whole new league against mostly unfamiliar schools.
Initially, I felt uncertain because competing against new teams meant I would have to acclimate to a previously unknown environment. However, the new league brought a different perspective of competition that pushed me to try harder.
Every opponent we have faced so far is not only skilled but also brings an unfamiliar playing style; they are more trained in advanced techniques like volleying. Every match feels like a new obstacle; it feels exhilarating but intimidating.
Although the league season finished a month ago, I see some changes in both my team and me. To prepare for unfamiliar matches, every teammate noticeably made progress, and the friendly competition among us motivated us to try harder.
Like last year, all of us are pushing each other to practice hard and try our best at every point; we are always supporting each other during each other’s sets at games. Whenever I lose a point or feel discouraged, my teammates always reassure me and encourage me to keep moving forward.
As I settle into this new league, I accept the challenges ahead; I look forward to seeing how we adapt and thrive in this fresh setting.
