Tennis, to most people, looks easy to play (hard to understand). You just hit a ball back and forth, right? People couldn't be more wrong! Tennis is a sport based on speed, agility, and stamina. Practices are 3 hours after school of running and some skill tunning. Two weeks before school starts we spend 2 hours a day, in the sun, running and sprinting, doing foot work and hand - eye cordination. Somehow, through the pain, headaches, passing out at home, and falls, we all seem to have fun.
One of my main weaknesses was running track. Through my school years I'd have to run in gym, but never could finish the timed mile. By time I got done, the teacher would have left already. I really didn't look forward to all the running in tennis, but I tried my hardest. One time I won't forget, was the first time we ran the timed mile. My assitant coach stayed and waited for me. When I crossed the line, I actually got a score. Everyday that week I knocked off one minute from my time. I finished that season with a 16:04 on my mile time. When I heard, I, seriously, fell to my knees in tears. I had never imagined to get down that far. It was then, I believe, people realised how hard I was really trying. Ever since teammates will run with me on my last lap, and try to push me harder.
I finished 9th grade season as last place on the team. Even though I didn't get to play much, I still felt I had won. I gained friends, and became very close to my coaches. In 10th grade I joined again and worked even harder. I got up to about position 33... and... got my mile time down to 14:02. 11th grade was better. My mile time is now currently 13:01. And I climbed up to 24.
My school's team may be the largest, however, no team could have any better teammates. I'm really looking forward to my last season next year. I know it will be a blast!
