Senior Louis Gibson has played tennis for about five years, finding it to be a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I’ve been playing for probably five years, I started playing more often during COVID and then I continued playing. I’ve been on the school team for four years,” Gibson said.
Gibson found a commitment in tennis and enjoyed both the social and individual aspect of the sport.
“I joined tennis because I had always been playing it on and off and then I really like that it’s a team sport and individual. There’s a variety of different ways to play it,” Gibson said.
Gibson reflects on his junior year on the tennis team.
“My favorite memory has to be my junior year in a home match against East Rockingham. I was playing a singles match and I blew a lead in it and I felt really down but I was able to turn it around with a tie break and I pulled out the win. I stayed positive and I played my game, it was just really monumental getting a big win and that was the match that won it for us overall,” Gibson said.
With tennis being such a coordination reliant sport, students find themselves with obstacles that challenge them as an athlete. Not only is the sport challenging physically, but mentally.
“I’ve struggled with hitting with consistency and staying positive. I think early on, when I had less match experience, I’d miss shots and get in my own head and then it’d be a downward spiral. Tennis is so mental. I’ve grown, played more often, and talked to my coach and stuff like that, just growing on a positive mindset no matter what happens in a match and playing with consistency,” Gibson said. “It’s been tough getting there. It’s taken losses to be able to achieve that. You’re never going to grow if you’re winning every match.”
Gibson has worked on various things to improve.
“I’ve spent as much time as I can on the court, especially over the summer. My main goal is to get the number one spot on the team. Throughout the summer, and even the fall, no matter what the weather is, I’d go out there and play with anyone at different levels, different skills, just as much as I could. From doing tha, I’ve improved every aspect of my game. That was what I needed to set myself above any level I’ve played at before,” Gibson said.
Gibson is able to find tennis as a hobby and not just a high school sport, allowing him to find joy in the sport.
“I’m definitely going to play after high school recreationally, it’s a lot of fun to play. That’s another thing about it, you play your whole life. You see people that are 70 years old continuing to play. It’s a great way to get exercise and socialize with people. I don’t think I’m ever going to put down my racket for good,” Gibson said.
As his season comes to an end, he reflects and makes sure to savor every last moment.
“It’s kind of sad that the season’s going to be over but I just try to savor every moment. I’m looking forward to our senior night. There’s four out of six seniors on the team so I’m excited to celebrate it with them,” Gibson said.
