As I begin the facetime call with Seela Hinrichs, Tessa Welch, and Isabella Scala, Varsity Girls Tennis Captains, they immediately start to giggle and joke around, excited to share the bond between each girl in the Tennis Program. When I begin to ask them about their season, Scala laughs and responds “10 out of 10” describing their success. The love between the tennis team shines through as Seela Hinchrics says it was “The best it has ever gone throughout these past 4 years.” The girls not only have a passion for the sport but most importantly a connection with each other. “One of the most genuine seasons. The group really respected each other, and were just together as one unit,” Tessa Welchs tells me, starting to become emotional. The Captains admit to being sad to leave MGT and reminiscence on the precious memories of the season. “Remember when we beat the Chatham!” Seela exclaims, explaining that they are their extreme rival. “Even though they had dozens of yelling spectators” Tessa adds. “Montville. Amelia and I beat Montville, after losing to them twice before,” Scala brags clearly excited. “Scala and Amelia were playing a tiebreaker,” Tessa remembers, “We were all sitting on the court cheering and supporting it was so fun” she describes as a smile covers her face.

Whitney Romwebber and Ella McFadden, Varsity Tennis juniors join the path down memory lane leading them to “Making it to states and bonding as a team as a whole.” The team succeeded as “Second in the state section, and first in the conference with an 11-2 record.” As I ask each of them what led to their success, they fill with pride in their teammates and their attitude. “Staying Positive but covid negative,” as Isabella jokes. Seela explains how they are “just unified as one team. Supporting one another. Telling each other they are amazing even when we lose,” she laughs. “We are genuinely so close…like a family. I am so proud of all the hard effort everyone put in during the season.” The girls agree, and Whitney Romwebber thanks the seniors for “leading the team” and says “their spirit made everyone laugh and have a good time.” “We are all about a good time,” adds Ella.

The seniors continue to express their joy throughout the season, and Tessa Welchs acknowledges the greatness in their “ability to have fun out of every situation,” thanking the team for the immense amount of good memories they will take with them. Seela Hinrichs not only thanks the girls but mentions “Coach B is always there for us even though she’s pregnant she still cleaned the courts, and is thankful for“all the parents for coming to the matches despite their busy lives.”

Their pride and cheerfulness are clear to me, as they almost forget that I am interviewing them, and rather spending time with their friends who have easily become like family. When I ask if they have any advice for the future years, Scala cracks some more jokes advising, “When you’re doing your runs make sure you walk by the band wing,” they laugh. “Be comical.” “Be free,” adds Tessa. Their humorous answers do not surprise me as their attitude proves to be fun-loving together as a team with constant lighthearted jokes creating a super memorable season.

Images Courtesy of Seela Hinrichs