As the girls tennis season is beginning, the Warriors are looking forward to making an impact. After placing fifth overall last year, and gaining a new head coach, standards are being set high. New coach Betsy Kingston expects her players to keep a positive attitude, no matter what.
“I expect players to bring a positive and growth-oriented mindset to the court. Tennis isn’t just about winning–it’s about progress, discipline, and pushing past limits. I want players to enjoy the process of improving and to stay positive, even on tough days,” Kingston said.
With a new coach, many of the players are excited to see how they can grow, and what this new season has to offer. With this season being her second on varsity, sophomore Amina Adhima shares what she hopes to see.
“I really liked our coach from last year so I think it will be a change for our team for sure, but I’m really excited to get to know her,” Adhima said, “I think she will be a good fit for our team and I think she cares a lot for our team and wants to help make us better and improve.”
With a fairly young team, and only four returning players, there are many more opportunities for players. Junior Carly Connell is looking forward to playing more and gaining insights from her coach.
“Some ways I hope to improve from last season are to be more consistent in every part of the game and I want to improve the intensity of my game,” Connell said, “I am very excited to see what Coach Betsy has to bring this season. I am looking forward to improving in drills at practice and listening to the advice she has to offer.”
Since practices have already started, Coach Kingston has been able to meet her team, and is hopeful to see a few important aspects of the game improve within her players.
“I’m excited to watch the team dynamics develop—how the more experienced players mentor the newer ones and how everyone pushes each other to do better. We have a solid group this year, and I think there’s potential for some big wins in both singles and doubles matches,” Kingston said, “I’m also looking forward to the competitions. Nothing beats the thrill of match day and seeing the players put everything they’ve worked on in practice into action. Building confidence, handling pressure, and seeing that growth in our athletes is what really makes this job rewarding.”
As tennis at Westside grows, so does the love for the sport. While building skill, friendships and leadership grow, and Adhima feels strongly about how tennis has impacted her life.
“I really love tennis and enjoy playing it a lot. I enjoy the relationships I make from it with my friends, coaches, and teammates. I also love the workout and how I feel from playing it. I love growing and improving from it over the years. It’s a good feeling to look back at all of it and see the changes I made,” Adhima said.
This love of the game and focus on growth runs through the team.
“Of course, the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is fostering a love for the game—making sure the players are enjoying the process, learning from their mistakes, and, ultimately, growing both on and off the court,” Kingston said, “ Hopefully, we’ll end the season feeling proud of how much we’ve accomplished, no matter what the scoreboard says.”
Follow the team as they face the Papillion-La Vista Monarchs on March 25.
