by TiNique Stewart
Letting new players on a team can be difficult, but boys tennis is all for it. Its team of six consists of three new members: sophomores Troy Scott, Jamal Nelson and Aaron Bowles.
“They welcomed me with an open hand, and we got along easily,” Troy said.
Aaron, who plays at number one, isn’t new to tennis. He played for three years at John Rolfe Middle School.
“Playing as number one is hard because I have to go against people who have been playing tennis their whole life,” he said.
Jamal said that Aaron is the team’s strongest player who always comes to practice prepared to play.
Jamal began playing tennis with the encouragement of his girlfriend, junior tennis player, Shania Gantz, who thought he could bring consistency to the team.
Troy had no previous experience in tennis. He said that his friend told him to come to play tennis as a joke, but he really went to tryouts to see what tennis was like.
“I’ve improved a lot,” Troy said. “At first I couldn’t win a game, but now I’m winning most of them.”
Jamal said he has gotten better at hitting the ball.
“Going against the girls helped me get much better because they’re way better than the boys,” Jamal said. “My main focus is getting that ball over the net.”
Shania said that Jamal takes the sport seriously.
Since Aaron joined the high school tennis team, he has become better at putting a spin on his backhand.
The boys said head coach Rashad Hudson helped them gain experience and play better.
Coach Hudson has played tennis from middle school to adulthood.
“I’ve experienced many levels of tennis,” he said.
Jamal said Coach Hudson helped him to adapt to the team.
“He taught me that communication is important because without it, we won’t be able to succeed,” Jamal said. “He’s a very nice guy, and I’m pretty sure he’s happy to have a team.”
Troy said the best advice from his coach is to load the ball high before serving it.
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