Despite a later start to the sport, senior Sawyer Jordan continues to improve and participate in the Forest Hills Central Varsity Men’s tennis team. Unlike most athletes, especially varsity athletes, who begin their sports career from a young age, Sawyer only began playing tennis in his freshman year. However, Sawyer did not let his lack of experience divert him. Rather he used this as a reason to give 100% in his sport.
Over the years, Sawyer has given tennis his all to match and exceed his teammates’ abilities. Now Sawyer can proudly say he claims a spot on the varsity team and became the Forest Hills Central Varsity Women’s tennis team manager.
“I joined tennis my freshman year because I wanted to try a new sport and I knew a few of my friends played tennis, so I was willing to try.” Sawyer said. “I think my late start in tennis pushed me to become a more hardworking player so I could catch up to my teammate’s skill level earlier.”
Most freshmen shy away from beginning a new sport, worried that it’s too late for them to match the skills of their peers, but Sawyer wouldn’t do that.
By knowing some friends on the team already, Sawyer had one foot already in the door. Not only did having friends on his team make transitioning onto the team a lot more comfortable, but they also helped to encourage and direct his athletic career.
Alongside old friends, joining the varsity tennis team allowed Sawyer to expand his social circle. By being in the same sport it’s evident that he and his teammates share at least one hobby.
“I’ve made lots of new friends through the men’s varsity tennis team.” Sawyer states, “Apart from just tennis friends, participating in tennis has added some new people to my close friend group.”
Through his few years playing tennis, Sawyer has gained not only friendships but also experience, determination, perseverance, and skill. These attributes are shown in his new role as the women’s varsity tennis team manager. From being a part of the boy’s tennis team, Sawyer was handpicked by his coach to help guide and instruct the varsity women’s tennis team over his off-season. While sacrificing time and energy for the women’s varsity team, Sawyer finds himself growing in skill and mindset due to this opportunity.
With the men’s tennis season ending in the fall and the women’s beginning in the spring, Sawyer not only has an opportunity to help but also to gain more experience during the off-season.
“During our tennis banquet, Coach Dan brought up to me how a team manager spot was open, so I told him I would think about it and eventually took the offer,” Sawyer said. “I think I was asked by Coach Dan because he knows how hard I worked during the offseason to get to where I was during the season.”
After deciding to take his coach up on the offer, Sawyer found that by becoming the team manager, his own skills would grow along with that of the women on the team. The extra time would act as his normal practice time while growing his leadership and communication skills.
Playing tennis year-round may sound harsh, but Sawyer finds that the more opportunities he has to play, the better. The exercise and outside time are not only calming but also fun. Through trial and error, Sawyer has grown to not only reach but exceed the skills of his peers and teammates.
“By becoming the varsity women’s tennis team manager, I will play more every day so it will overall improve my game,” Sawyer said. “It will also affect my tennis skills by improving my overall consistency.”
As much as Sawyer enjoys playing tennis alone and with his friends, he doesn’t plan to continue his athletic career in college. Even after beginning his sport later in his academic career, he has overcome the odds and grown in skill, claiming a varsity spot and a managing position.
Even if he chooses to leave tennis behind with high school, Sawyer will leave a legacy of persistence, determination, and courage.
“Tennis has presented me with a good way to get exercise and constantly learn from my previous mistakes,” Sawyer said. “Tennis has made my life more active and enjoyable, I’m glad I joined my freshman year.”