Led by senior co-captains Nevaeh Jade Adiwidya and Alice Dazo, the Mt. Eden girls’ tennis team uses the sport as an opportunity to create a community within the school. “We have a lot of fun because Coach Cao is really fun to talk to and you also make a lot of friends ‘cause it’s all girls, so that makes it even more fun,” said Adiwidya, who joined the team her junior year.
To these girls, tennis is more than just a sport. Dazo said being in girls tennis made her feel supported.
“You are not alone. People will be there to support you and help you with your needs,” said Dazo.
Adiwidya, Dazo, and senior Christina Kim Tran mentioned that the coaches provided snacks, and sometimes boba, at games.
Even though tennis may be considered a more recreational sport at Mt. Eden, the players have to work hard on and off the court as both athletes and students. Coach and math teacher Gary Cao mentioned that the girls create study groups during games to keep up with their academics. He sometimes helps them with their math homework. Cao added that recruiting is a challenge for girls tennis because it is a fall sport, providing little turnaround for students’ physicals. However, fall is the perfect time for a sport since schoolwork is yet to be very time consuming.
The team practices Monday through Thursday after school and usually has games every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of October. Practices consist of team building drills for the girls who play doubles and those who play singles.
“Practice does not make perfect, but practice makes you better,” said Tran.
As of September 20, girls tennis has had 4 games this year. If you are a girl looking into playing a sport, this is your sign to join girls tennis next school year.
“Hot girls play tennis!” said Dazo.
