Many students are involved in a plethora of activities, most of which are spread throughout the year. From basketball in the winter to baseball in the summer, or soccer in the spring to volleyball in the fall, students can participate in both sports easily. But this upcoming school year will be different for some students as girls’ tennis in Iowa will be moved to the fall season. All throughout the state, the sport will be moved, which in some aspects is great, but there are some faults to this big change.

     There are four different sports that take place during spring for both girls and boys: golf, tennis, soccer, and track. At the end of the season, both baseball and softball overlap with spring sports. Most of the time, people have the space to practice with the other team, but for some sports, there is only enough space for one at a time, so practices can go all the way until six p.m. At first, it was supposed to be both boys’ golf and girls’ tennis, but it was officially decided that golf would be delayed indefinitely due to coaching problems as well as course availability. 

     Many players are having to leave the sport due to interference with the existing ones. Ella Juergens, sophomore, has been playing tennis for two years now. She is in the sixth spot for the team and has been doing very well this season, especially since it is her first year on varsity. Playing a sport is something so simple that it can bring joy into someone’s life. Juergens said, “One funny memory is just having fun with my doubles partner on the court and cracking jokes.” She, unfortunately, isn’t able to play moving forward as she is involved with football cheer and wouldn’t be able to attend both practices. It’s hard to leave a team that one’s been playing with for so long, but it’s nice to know that people can make long-time friends from simply playing together. Juergens said, “Even though I’m not playing next year, I’m going to come and support my tennis queens.” Many people grow strong bonds with the teammates around them, as they are the ones who help one grow and learn about something they love to do together. 

     Mr. Robinson, science teacher and tennis coach, is very excited for the season switch. This is his first year as the girls’ tennis coach, having experience from playing at his own high school and coaching the boys’ team the past few years. He has been playing for over 12 years now and has the knowledge to teach others. He believes that the girls this season have done amazingly well with the new rankings, as most of the seniors who graduated last year were in the top ten, so many people have moved up many positions. This change is ultimately for the better, and after a while, many people will adjust. Robinson said, “I think it provides them with a better opportunity to compete. We will have nicer weather to practice and compete, and we will have all of summer to train and be ready for the outdoor season rather than coming from winter when most girls haven’t had the chance to play tennis for several months.” 

     Even though the team will be losing some players, this change will be good, Juergens said, “I am sad that I won’t be able to play because I love the sport and the people. But in the end, I think it will be a good change because the girls won’t have to share courts with the boys, the weather will be super nice, and more girls in spring sports will be able to join tennis and have an amazing experience.” After years of playing a sport, it feels weird to have the whole thing uprooted and moved months ahead, but one never knows what kind of opportunities that will bring. It gives people a space to make new memories and new friends that can last a lifetime. Robinson said, “Tennis is a very lonely game when you are playing singles, and it takes a lot of mental strength to stay in it and keep playing, especially if you are losing. I constantly see growth in our athletes in that aspect of the game. I think this also helps grow team bonding, knowing that all on the team are going through that same struggle. They have that collective struggle, so that when they get off the court, they are very supportive of one another.” Overall, tennis is a sport that everyone should be able to join, so now that it moves to the fall, it gives everyone who plays a spring sport an opportunity to join a team that works together and enjoys the time they get to play.