Inspired

How I Went from Mid-JV to Varsity #1 on My High School Tennis Team

By Sydney DeNardo|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on December 15, 2021)

My freshman year of high school, my best friend and I decided to try out for the tennis team together. She played tennis, and I had been training a little and had some experience. I was confident we'd both make varsity and have fun playing together.

My heart broke when the varsity coach told me to come to JV practices and my best friend to go to varsity. I was at a loss for words. I didn't want to play anymore and didn't hide my feelings at all. I went to JV practices and realized I still was not even good enough to be number one singles. I played number one doubles which was the fourth position on the team. Even though this wasn't what I wanted, I made friends and had fun throughout the season.

My Goal
The summer going into my sophomore year I had a goal. I was going to make varsity and be with my best friend. I trained for hours every day, all summer. I showed up to tryouts and not only made varsity, but made my way to third single. This meant I was the third best tennis player for my high school. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy and excited that all of my hard work had paid off, and I jumped above people I never thought I could. I didn't want to stop there though. I thought if I could make it this far with the amount of training I had, I could make it to number one singles and be the best!

Summer going into Junior year came around and again I wouldn't step off a tennis court. I was having fun and setting goals to keep myself driven. Tryouts came around again and my goal was to be the best. The only problem was the two girls ahead of me were seniors and great friends of mine. I didn't want them to not like me if I took their positions. I still wanted to accomplish my goal though. Luckily, these were real friends and supported me because of my hard work. I beat them and was number one singles both my Junior and Senior year.

I Was the Best Tennis Player at My High School
I couldn't believe it. I went from being so defeated my freshman year to the best tennis player at my high school. A new goal was set. I wanted to play college tennis. With the help of my biggest role models, my parents, Scott and Rae DeNardo, my goals were always supported. They were there every step of the way. My father got me into tennis and is a great tennis player himself. He coached me and got me all the training I needed to succeed. My mom is my biggest supporter and has always taught me I can do whatever I put my mind to. They are my biggest fans and are the reason I am the tennis player and person I am today.

Little did I know when I was a high school freshman that I'd be playing Division I Tennis for Monmouth University. I learned that it's okay to start later than others; as long as you put the work in, you'll make it. I even started my recruiting process in my Senior year of high school instead of my Junior year, which is okay because it's never too late to reach out to coaches and schools in high school. My biggest lesson was to never give up. I set goals, worked hard, turned my defeat into fuel, and my dreams became a reality. Keep going and don't give up.