According to the United States Tennis Association (UTSA), tennis is the world’s healthiest sport. It works the heart and the brain while keeping it a fun, simple game that anyone can enjoy. The tennis team at Tennessee High allows new and experienced players to play matches and meet new people. 

The team is led by Head Coach Ellen Kitzmiller—lovingly known as Coach K—and assistant coach Adam Terry. Both coaches push their players to their highest potential.

“Coach K and Adam are very beneficial for a team, and they set up good matches throughout the whole season,” sophomore Hudson Kovacs said. 

This season opener was against Knox Webb; since then, they have continued to play top-ranked schools such as Baylor School, Girls Preparatory School, and McCallie School. With the extra time on court, the team has set their goals high.

“My main goal is to make it to state to beat Science Hill, and also I just want to become a stronger hitter and a better player, especially in singles,” senior Mayleigh Stalnaker said. 

Stalnaker is not the only one who hopes to make a run at the state or become a better player.

“I’m looking for some good matches to go play [well] and go make a run in a state tournament in singles and maybe in doubles as well with [my partner], Esme,” freshman Abigail Hawthorne said.

While Hawthorne has been playing for a while, some players have not had the same amount of experience. Playing tennis is for everyone willing to put in the work.

“I just started this year. [Kitzmiller] recruited me to come try it out, and I really loved it. So I gotta thank her. I really found a new love for the game,” junior Maddox Mustard said. “I want to keep improving and work on my game.”

Alongside loving the sport, the team also loves how supportive the environment is. While tennis is generally an individual sport, high school tennis is more of a team based sport and offers more connections and friendships. 

“Cheering on your teammates while they’re playing is a huge thing” Hudson Kovacs said. 

Team support is huge; it can determine matches, team energy, and player mindsets. Coach Ellen Kitzmiller hopes to continue and inspire players to pick up a racquet. 

“I know that I’ve got kids right now that are in college, or beyond college, that I’ve been associated with some of them, never picked up a racket till I was coaching, and so I feel really good about that; I feel like they’re gonna be playing for the rest of their lives,” Kitzmiller said.