Writer revisits past, hits with tennis team

Standing across the court from freshman Sandhya Nagaraj, racket in hand, ready to play, I suddenly realized, I was playing tennis against a division one tennis player. ‘What the hell did I get myself into?’ I said to myself, trying not to freak out.

 

Wednesday afternoon, I joined the women’s tennis team for one of its typical practices. I have been playing tennis since I was 10 years old and played for my high school, so I figured I could handle an afternoon with the tennis team. Well I was right, I could handle it. But I now have a new respect for what college athletes do each and every day to put on that red uniform at night.

My nerves subsided quickly as I heard the familiar voice of sophomore Jackie Ussery yell, “Let’s go Pack. You got it Jen!”

At that moment I felt like part of the team. Throughout the afternoon, a howl of ‘Go Pack’ and encouraging words flowed out of each members mouth, encouraging all the players, including me. Although the women were working hard, they still took the necessary time to give their teammates a high-five and a “let’s go!” when ever possible.

But that wasn’t where the day began. Practice started at Reynolds Coliseum with strength and conditioning coach Wright Wayne. Wayne had a series of six different stations of footwork drills set up. This required the women to hustle for 30 seconds and then break for 30 seconds as they moved to the next of the 12 stations.

As I looked at Wayne for his approval of my participation, he simply answered, “You can do it if you like, but you would probably throw-up. Trust me — I wouldnít even do it myself.”

With that advice I decided I was going to sit that one out, and watch as the women worked on their fitness. After moving quickly from sprints, to weaving in and out of cones and other footwork drills, Wayne took the team into the weight room for abs and shoulder work.

I took part in the lifting aspect of practice since I lift weights on a consistent basis. Yet I still struggled to keep pace with the women. Freshman Pender Sessoms explained to me that workout typically move at this pace so theyíre used to the intensity.

“I know practice is really intense,” Sessoms said. “You’re going from running, to doing weights, straight to practice. But the fitness really helps in our matches. Nine times out of 10 we pull out our third sets and I think we have to thank Wright Wayne for that.”

Freshman Diana Mortlock, helped guide me through the weigh room, and was excited I was joining the team during its practice.

“It’s great that you can tell everyone about all the hard work we do,” Mortlock said. “Some people donít think athletes actually do stuff, but we actually have to work really hard everyday.”

I agree with Mortlock, after practicing with the team it has really made me realize how physically fit they are as well as the endurance it takes to be a college athlete. They practice about four hours a day on top of classes, as well as juggling their heavy match schedule.

After our grueling session with Wayne, it was finally time to pick up our rackets and head to the court. I helped Ussery and Nagaraj warm up — or rather they gave me a work-out.

“Your ground strokes were really good,” Ussery majoring in communications said of my game. “You hustled for every ball. It was fun.”

Excited about my praise, I felt comfortable on the court and had a great time playing. I have interviewed and watched the womenís tennis team many times, but after spending an afternoon with them opened up my eyes to the true spirit of the Wolfpack. This team has heart, drive, and most importantly each otherís back. The women push each other to reach their full potential with the guidance of their coaches but most importantly themselves.

Now as I take the ice off my shoulder and reflect on my tennis at practice on Wednesday proved that I’m not ready to step on the court to represent the Pack, I take pride in saying I can hang with the team and have a new found respect for student athletes.