Self-discipline, mental strength, and a will to keep going drove recent Quaker Cup Champions, Friend Select’s Girls’ Tennis Team. The coaches, captains, and players recently reflected on a unique element of the sport: how tennis players face the court and opponents alone.
The philosophy and approach to coaching by the Girls Tennis Team coaches are key to shaping the players’ skills and mental resilience. “My role is to work with the players who are new to tennis and begin building skills while working with small groups or one-on-one,” said Coach Herb Kerns. “I follow the lead [of] our head coach Danny Bowens. He teaches a 16-second cure – 4 seconds of positive physical response, 4 seconds relaxation, 4 seconds preparation, and 4 seconds automatic ritual response – after each point to improve mental toughness.”
Nora Colgan ‘25, the captain of the Girls’ Tennis Team, plays a significant role in fostering unity and high spirits among the team, “I run stretches and conditioning, make sure everyone is prepared, and answer any questions they might have about their [own] play,” said Nora. “I try to keep energy high throughout the season with pep talks and encourage them during and after their matches.”
Lena Piven ‘25, a member of the Girls’ Tennis Team, emphasizes the personal nature of the sport. “When we arrive at the courts, we usually do a couple of laps around two or more courts or [sprint drills] depending on the day, and then we do dynamic stretches. After that, we usually split up onto courts, as doubles and singles players,” said Lena. “We start off by rallying, and then Coach Danny comes around to help us on [our personal] technique or whatever he has planned to work on for a specific day.”
“I like it because it’s a no-contact sport,” said Zoie Jackson-Lawrence ‘24, another member of the team. “I get to work on my own, it’s more peaceful, more time to think. You have to collect yourself because it’s just you,” said Zoie.
Some members of the Girls’ Tennis Team claim the sport helps them improve their mental and physical toughness. Lena Piven 25’ reflects, “I have learned to always stay in the present when playing a match; this mentality is continuously enforced. I have also learned how to be mentally tough during high-pressure levels of a match. Being on the Girls Tennis Team has definitely impacted my athletic development in a positive way.”
