In a way, tennis is a metaphor for life. It requires motivation and passion. A match is a battle, where the best show not only strength and poise, but intelligence, sportsmanship, and resolve.

The Edwardsville tennis program has taught me so much about striving for excellence and the pay off of hard work. This was shown last year. With one week left in the season, one of our top player was injured at the conference. I was the next player on the roster, and, after only playing a few varsity tennis matches during the season, was asked to transition from cheerleader to champion and play at the sectional tournament. I stayed after practice every day that week to prepare with one of the assistant coaches. I ended up not only playing well, but