Top L-R: Leydis, Danielin, Gina, Cecely, Emely, Evelyn, Emily, Yaritiza, Karla
Bottom L-R: Micaela, Yamileth, America, Myra, Renee, and Daisy
As the final matches of the season wrapped up this month, the Cortez High School girls’ tennis team had a lot to celebrate. With a final record of 5-9, the team capped off a season marked by hard work, resilience, growth, and unwavering team spirit.
Led by head coach Billie Lamkin, the team made noticeable strides this year, not just in matches but also in confidence and overcoming challenges. Whether competing in singles or doubles, the players displayed commitment to success.
When asked about “What has been the most rewarding part of coaching this year?”, Mrs. Lamkin shared, “ It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of our veteran players , as well as to see our new athletes develop their tennis skills. I am also proud of seeing the friendships build between the varsity players and the Jv.”
While the season was filled with memorable moments, the team also faced challenges. One of the toughest moments came when America, a key player, suffered an injury during a match against Paradise Valley. After twisting her ankle, she was unable to finish the season. Though her tennis career didn’t end as she had hoped after four years of dedication, she felt deeply supported by her teammates, who stepped up in her absence, showing resilience and a strong sense of unity.
Playing tennis is an exciting sport, but it also comes with its share of pressure. When asked how she managed that pressure this season, Karla Antonio responded, “ I would watch my teammates play, which gave me a lot of encouragement to try as hard as they played in their matches and forget about the pressure. I would also remind myself that I improved a lot for a second-year player.”
Amidst the highs and lows, Melissa Antonio, the team manager, played a crucial role in supporting the team’s growth. When asked about her responsibilities, she shared, “It’s important for me to keep the players’ scores during practice, such as how many serves they got in, who they lost/won to, and what rank they are. Keeping track of the players’ scores helps pinpoint the weaknesses of each player and what they can improve on. It also helps place our players correctly so that the team can be adequately prepared for the teams they may face.” Melissa’s attention to detail and her work behind the scenes helped make sure the team was always prepared to face the competition. She played a key role in the team’s success, even though she wasn’t on the court herself.
