Freshman Amina Adhima has been making a smashing impact on the varsity tennis team this season. The second singles player on the Warriors squad, Adhima is 17-2 on the season. Her two losses have come in the last week, both to Lincoln East sophomore Stella Stempson. Nonetheless, Amina has shown nothing but ferocity and promise on the court this season. She can play all over the court, her versatility also stretches to doubles. For the season, Adhima is 6-0, playing at the two, three, and four spots. Coach Bart Jeseritz sees a future star in Amina, and he hopes to do everything he can to help her develop.
“I’ve seen strides for her on the mental side of her game,” Jeseritz said. “Trusting herself, trusting her coaches. Team tennis in high school is very different from playing in individual tournaments and it always takes a while to get a feel for what that’s like. She has done a wonderful job, and I’m excited to see her continued growth.”
Adhima agrees with her coach. She also understands the weight that comes with playing the spot she is at given her age. Understanding this is what has driven her so far and will continue to push her as she continues through the high school circuit.
“It is actually really enjoyable to play #2 singles,” Adhima said. “I take it with a lot of pride. It can be stressful at times because I’m nervous that I might let the team down or play badly. I think the reason I really like it is that i’m decently consistent and I feel like that is a big component of playing #2 singles. It’s also not as stressful as playing #1 singles as a freshman.”
This success did not come out of nowhere, Amina’s tennis voyage has been a long time in the making. The friendships you make from sports are unlike any other. The bonds and understanding that teammates have with each other is truly a special thing. Adhima says this has been a big part of her long journey. Possibly even leading her to the place she is at today.
“I would say that my high school tennis journey has been interesting,” Adhima said. “I have definitely had ups and downs even in this short season. There have been times where I played really well and times where I have not played as well. But my overall tennis experience has been long. I’ve played for a while and it’s definitely been fun. It’s super fun to have a bunch of people that you’re friends with that do the same sports and you get to travel with them to tournaments.”
High school tennis is a huge step up from playing clinics and other junior tournaments. Nonetheless, Amina can already see a difference in her level of play and the way she is able to interact with her new teammates.
“I think a big thing that I have gotten better at is being more of a team player,” Adhima said .“In the way that I get the experience of being on a team and I’ve never had that in tennis before. Another thing I feel like I have gotten better at since the season started is consistency. Playing 2 singles is mostly about being consistent and making the opponent miss.”
On the surface, one freshman on varsity is impressive, but to have a second is even more spectacular. Freshman Amelia Deupree is not only one varsity, but the number three singles player being Adhima. Deupree and Adhima are good friends on and off the course. Together, they played the number four doubles spot and took home a win. Defeating a junior and senior in a duel against Bellevue West.
“It’s fun to compete with her and learn her approach,” Deupree said. “She’s someone who I like playing with, and lucky to be teammates with her. She loves tennis and loves to compete, much like myself. Having another freshman makes adapting to a new team better because it is easier to relate to her. ”
Moving forward, Adhima has strong goals for the end of the season and onward. There is lots of time for change and development in high school.
“I would say biggest goal for the rest of my high school season is to win state this year for #2 singles,” Adhima said. “Continue on to keep winning. My other goals are to not let my opponents get in my head or let my playing get in my head because i feel like that is a big struggle for me as a player.”
Coach Jeseritz agrees that Amina has made great sides on the mental aspect of the game, opposed to the physical.
“I’ve seen strides for her on the mental side of her game,” Jeseritz said. “Trusting herself, trusting her coaches. Team tennis in high school is very different from playing in individual tournaments and it always takes a while to get a feel for what that’s like. She has done a wonderful job, and I’m excited to see her continued growth.”
