I stopped down at the Reservoir on September 25th to watch the Tiger girls take on Central Catholic in the 15th of 16 regular season tennis matches.
The Tigers’ Season— An Introduction to the Sport and Learning Experience for Beginners
All of the Massillon girls competing this season are new to the sport; they decided to try tennis in high school. Tiger Coaches Kelsey Sklenar and Wendy Snodgrass train players over the summmer, working on the foundations and fundamentals in a difficult sport. After three weeks of training, the players are physically ready for competition. The 2024 regular season is the first time competing for any of the girls currently on the team. This season is an initiation of sorts into the sport— a learning experience that will hopefully launch successful tennis careers while creating important life experiences for the girls.
How the Tigers Play Competitively
The Tiger squad plays on five courts at once, playing three singles and two doubles. There are 7 starting varsity players, and the Tigers also travel with a junior varsity squad. There are also many girls on the bench with the team; and although they do not all get to play each match, they still are learning the sport from the sideline and growing as individuals and teammates. The girls often stay postgame and play each other, improving their skills and strengthening bonds.
“It is a joy to coach players that once the competition is over they choose to stay on the courts to be with their teammates and work on their developing skills”, says coach Kelsey Sklenar.
The Tigers have a unique challenge and have faced it by having fun while learning together and making lasting friendships.
During the regular season there are no officials or referees— the game relies on fair play and sportsmanship. The girls on both sides work together on calls, and the Tigers have not run into any issues related to calls this season. The sport is built on honesty and kindness, and the Tigers have demonstrated this throughout the season, even through the struggles of team-building and preparing for competition against teams with far more experience.
Coach Sklenar on Coaching the Tigers
Coach Kelsey Sklenar:
“Coach Wendy Snodgrass and I are very proud to coach a team of beginners and foster an environment to take learning risks. We work diligently on mental toughness in sports and positive sportsmanship qualities. We often communicate how these skills can impact their lives outside of the game, and we have the pleasure of witnessing our players apply what they learn through their experience competing in tennis to hardships they face in their personal lives. Throughout the season, multiple coaches of other tennis programs have gone out of their way to acknowledge the respect and kindness of Massillon players display on the court. I could not be more proud of my players than in these moments. I believe success is measured by many metrics, and I am grateful to be Massillon’s tennis coach.”
Photos of the Match
