End of the Season Thoughts

So, I just crossed another milestone in my tennis career as we finished up the fall season a few weeks ago. I'm proud of the way I played thus far and I have high hopes for the spring. Coach put me at the #2 spot which is such a confidence booster for me, even though I should be thinking about what's good for the team and not just me. I think playing at #2 will be a good challenge because it will make me fight that much harder for my point. Playing at number 2 I don't have the added pressure of feeling like I'm supposed to beat whoever. It's silly the way my mind works but being put at that spot really makes a difference for me. When I go out for each match I expect to play really good players and it keeps me focused and intense. Plus, usually the girls higher up in the line-up hit harder which is a huge bonus as well. Sometimes I fall into the trap of playing just good enough to beat whoever I'm playing, so I won't play my best. Then, when I do play a really good player, I'm not ready to play good tennis because I haven't been practicing it. This way, I'm going to be sharp all year, and hopefully getting better as the season continues.

My only worry is how my body is going to hold up and whether I can control my stress and anxiety during the school year. It already got hard this fall when I was having trouble sleeping, had so much work to catch up on, and just felt physically tired. I know everyone goes through it but I just feel like I need to be rested physically and emotionally to be at my best. It's going to be a fine line next semester between school and tennis and I hope I can manage everything while keeping my sanity.

I'm sad and happy the season is over. For me, there is no other feeling like winning a match for my team. The way I feel doesn't compare to anything else I succeed in, and I know I'm going to miss that. And I won't be able to feel that way by playing in a league or playing for fun. It's just not the same and it will never live up to my experiences here.

So on that note, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the fall. We have conditioning, weights, and hitting twice a week and I doubt I'll hit more than that until winter break. I don't want to tire myself out by playing bad tennis. The plan is to chill out with tennis for now, work out a lot, and then come winter break I'm going to get back to work so I can be at my best for the spring.....Can't wait!!