NOCTILUCA October 2017

SPORTS Appleton, Wisconsin October 2017 Volume XXlll Page 11 Girls’ tennis players reflect on successful season By Adithi Reddy Issue I

you decide to join the girls’ tennis team this season? Williamson: I wanted to try/experience playing an individual sport, and I’ve always liked tennis. After playing volleyball for two years, I wanted to try a dif- ferent sport, and see if I liked it. This season has helped me improve my game immense- ly, and it was a lot of fun! Srishti Gupta The Noctiluca: How long have you been playing ten- nis? What has made you con- tinue playing? Gupta: This is my third year playing tennis. Other than the fact that I love play- ing the sport, something that has made me continue to en- joy tennis is the people play- ing alongside me. My team- mates, whether Varsity or JV, have made my tennis career in high school one that I can- not forget. They motivated me to work hard, and al- ways get me to laugh before a stressful match. Plus, we have two exceptional coach- es that push us to do our best. Abbie Schaefer The Noctiluca: Do you feel that this year’s season is dif-

ferent from last year? Why? Schaefer: Yes. This year I have grown closer to a lot of the girls, some from last sea- son, and some from this year. Playing with different people and experiencing matches with them makes me enjoy tennis so much more. I also feel like this year I have im- proved a lot, so it is good to know that I can get better and try to improve more for next year and even the rest of this season. Macy Taylor The Noctiluca: What do you feel are the best and worst things about tennis/ the tennis season? Taylor: Some of the best things about tennis are that I was able to make so many great friends, and I have two great coaches to help me im- prove my game. I also love it when I smash the ball and the opponent can’t return it, mak- ing a great comeback, and of course, winning! Some of the worst things about tennis is Wednesday weight room, daily building runs, playing in sunny 80 degree weather, and getting aced.

The girls’ tennis season is coming to an end, and the players are reflecting on their season with pride and excite- ment to end their season with a conference tournament victory. All the players had to work hard to maintain a healthy balance of extracur- ricular activities, school, and tennis. There were major im- provements, laughs, tremen- dous work and significant memories made by all the athletes on the team. Here, the Noctiluca shares the ex- periences of five of the play- ers on this year’s high school girls’ tennis team. Emma Erickson The Noctiluca: Do you like that tennis is not a team/non contact sport? Why? Erickson: Tennis for me is a way to escape the outside world. When you are playing tennis it’s about you beat- ing your opponent. Not your team beating the other team. Just you. Just your abilities. Just your mental and physi- cal strength. Although tennis can sometimes be lonely, it teaches you that you can’t al- As most of you know, the Southeastern portion of the United States has been rav- aged by a pair of hurricanes throughout September. Hurri- cane Harvey brought destruc- tion to Houston, Texas area, while Hurricane Irma dev- astated Florida, and Florida Keys. Around the country, countless numbers of people have flocked to these areas to help those who lost ev- erything during these tragic storms. Many more have do- nated millions of dollars and much needed items to the vic- tims of Harvey and Irma. The Appleton North boys’ soccer team have been one of those contributors. This event was set up by an Action Team, “It was a great experience being able to help the victims of the hurricane.” which are volunteer programs available to members of Thri- vent. “They are a fun way to get groups of people together for a good cause,” said Heath Anderson, an athlete on the

Members of the girls’ tennis team pose for a photo. Photo used with permission from Emma Hermansen.

ways rely on others and that is one of the most important lessons in life. You are the only person that you always have. You won’t always have your parents, and you won’t always have your friends so you need to learn to love your self and your qualities. Tennis is a way to share that team, whose parents helped put the event together. “They have a whole country backing them up and willing to help them get back on their feet.” Anderson and the rest of Appleton North’s varsity boys’ soccer team were able to send bags full of personal care/toiletry items for civil- ians displaced from their homes due to Hurricane Har- vey. All those involved had a great time. “It was a great experience being able to help the victims of the hurricane,” said fellow teammate Caleb Sites. “The opportunity was a great chance for our school and our soccer program to be involved and make a differ- ence.” Cole Tremble also had an amazing experience helping out. “I learned that by doing something that seems small to you, like putting care pack- ages together, it means the world to someone that needs it.” He also added, “Sending

outlook with the world. Al- though team sports teach you friendship and teamwork, be- ing confident and proud of yourself is the most impor- tant thing you can take with you on this crazy ride we call life. Marilee Williamson The Noctiluca: Why did

Boys’ soccer team raises funds for Hurricane Harvey victims By Kyle Hoffenbecker

North’s Boys’ soccer team posing for a photo before they volunteer . Photo used with permission from Sara Flater.

those care packages shows those in need that they aren’t alone. They have a whole country backing them up and willing to help them get back on their feet.” Overall, it was a very re- warding experience for our boys’ soccer team. All of the players learned something about helping those in need. The immense joy on the hur- ricane victims faces when they receive their care pack- ages will be worth all the hard work in the end.

The soccer team filling bags that will be sent to the Houston area. Photo used with permission from Sara Flater.