Tennis is a very well known sport amongst girls at Salida High School. I had the opportunity to meet with the coach Josh Bechtel and one of the varsity captains, Kate Young.
The girls tennis team has a very welcoming and engaging culture. Everyone that I have talked to all agree that joining the team was a good idea and they enjoy it.
“It’s just different from other sports in a way that everyones really close and whether you’re a senior or a freshman or anything in between,” Young stated.
One thing the girls tennis team does that other sports/schools don’t do is that they have their home matches earlier in the season to make sure the junior varsity girls are able to get as much playing time as the varsity players.
Starting this summer the Recreation Department in Salida is going to offer summer tennis lessons for elementary and middle school students.
Bechtel points out that, “This will increase our numbers and skill level when these players reach high school.”
Keeping the team motivated is a big part of being a captain. Young noted that everyone’s individual score is tallied together for the team’s overall score. When it comes down to keeping the players motivated with a positive attitude, that usually keeps the team focused and trying their hardest.
“Playing tennis is a hard sport to stay positive in. Whenever people are in a bad mood, I just try to encourage them and tell them they are doing good.”
Having a team with many athletes would usually cause conflicts. Both Bechtal and Young said that there really isn’t that much arguing or conflicts on the girls tennis team. The team is a very joyful and cheery group.
When asked if she would recommend people joining the team, Young stated that her answer to that question is a resounding yes. She would encourage everyone to join the tennis team, it’s so much fun and there is no drama.
“It’s just different from other sports in a way that everyone’s really close,” stated Young.
Young loves the team and she hopes that if anyone is thinking of joining them, they will not hesitate. She says it’s a great team and everyone is super sweet and encouraging.
