October 15-17. A time of excitement, stress, and uncertainty. That weekend in October is the weekend of the Tennis State Championship for Colorado.
Those are the days that most young tennis players strive to reach. Last year, Laura Jones led a doubles tennis team to win state, and it was a proud moment for the entire program. The question that surrounds the program, is what does it take to win state?
When Regis Jesuit won a state title in tennis, it was a proud moment not only for the coaches, but each and every player who helped get the team where they were. “It’s not about what I do, it’s about what we do,” said Laura Jones.
The level of competition that is present at the state tournament, is like no other. “The kids playing at that level, have usually been playing tennis for years,” said Jones. The quality of players is so impressive, that it takes hours and days of practice to compete.
Coach Jones spoke passionately about the gravity of how much preparation is needed to win state. “I think preparing for the state tournament starts way before anyone walks in the doors of their high school,” said Laura Jones. She spoke of how the sport is one that must be practiced, and often. All of the playing leading up to tryouts was all part of the preparation for state. Those practices that no one notices, is what creates the winners.
Beyond just practice, Coach Jones spoke about how team dynamics might just be the biggest part of winning state, and having a successful year. “Doubles teams are all about chemistry, communication, and being willing to work well with somebody,” said Laura Jones.
Building a successful team, and winning state is all about chemistry. Knowing one another, and enjoying playing with each other seems to be the key to success. Jones credits last year’s success to players that truly loved playing with one another, and made each other better.
She doesn’t credit herself with making her players the best, but rather working with them to understand what partners work best. “A lot of it has to do with that initial figuring out who plays where, and figuring out who’s playing doubles with whom,” said Jones. Everything points back to chemistry.
Not only is chemistry within doubles teams essential, but it is within the whole team also. Support and encouragement from one another helps build character and inspire players to work and play their hardest. “The team is about being there with, and for our team,” said Jones.
The head JV coach, Antonio Maes, couldn’t agree more. Coach Maes spoke with the whole team about what it really means being “brothers” and being there with and for your brothers while the play their match. His policy is to have all players stay through all matches, just so his players can begin to grasp the idea of being a brother.
Although it takes incredible skill to win a state match, Coach Jones knows it wouldn’t be possible without being close to one another. “It’s like a family. It like the big brothers helping the little brothers get there,” said Jones. The players bond with one another, and that is the difference between a successful and not successful season.
Regis Jesuit Varsity Tennis proudly brought home a trophy last year, and none of it was possibly without the team dynamics they have. State is about chemistry, and Coach Jones knows it.