Girls tennis hopes to ace test of athletic experience as court comes in session
Girls tennis head coach Nicole Bouzek reminds herself every day of why she does what she does.
“I love tennis and I want to influence it on others,” she said. “I love mentoring people and I knew it would be the right fit.”
Bouzek knows what she wants regarding her team's culture.
“We’re always looking for positivity and good sportsmanship,” she said. “And, honestly, just having fun because tennis is a lifelong sport and I feel that it is important to have fun. That way, even if you don't make it to varsity, you still learn to love tennis.”
Bouzek makes it clear what she’s hoping for within her athletes, keeping her core values sharp.
“I expect dedication, good sportsmanship, positive demeanor and always trying your best even if you lose. As long as you're doing the best you can, there’s nothing else I could ask for,” she said. “I always encourage 110 percent.”
Freshman Megan Jorgensen is grateful for the close connections made during this season.
“This team welcomed me with open arms from the start and they cared about me and made sure I was always doing the best I could,” she said. “I know I'm gonna have a great day when I get to see my team.”
Jorgensen, being one of only two freshmen on varsity, understands the challenge of keeping up, but also knows how to overcome it.
“At first, I was a little intimidated by all the skill and simply the fact that the majority of the team has been together for years,” she said. “But soon enough, it’s like I had known them my whole life.”
Jorgensen has had a challenge starting freshman year, along with being a varsity athlete.
“So many new things were happening all at the same time. First with the season starting, then with school and all the extra curriculars,”she said. “It was stressful at first, but with all the support from the team and people closest to me, I knew I was going to be just fine. Keeping good people around you is the perfect solution to any issue.”
Senior Keagan Potter enjoys the relaxing atmosphere the sport offers.
“Being able to not take things so seriously is key,” she said.
Senior Kate Conger understands the need to manage many worlds, providing some positivity.
“Although school, sports and social life can be stressful, it’s important to think largely and know for certain that better nights are soon to come,” she said.
The doubles duo of Conger and Potter have shared some of their most appreciated times, and this is their last high school tennis season.
“I value the community built around tennis and the connections created through the sport,” Conger said. “I love our partnership and when one’s down, the other instantly builds them up. Knowing if we win or lose, we will still have a great time.”
Conger and Potter are hoping to place even higher at State this year after taking fourth in the tournament last fall. Potter weighs in on the stressors she faces while balancing her day-to-day life as a student athlete.
“You have to understand that a bad test or a bad tennis match doesn’t define you,” she said. “Don't let it stress you out as long as you come back stronger the next time,” she said.
by Sofia Gorgolis
Published on October 2, 2023
Oshkosh West Index volume 120 issue I