I have never played tennis before, nor have I ever watched it. Until this year, the sport had been completely off my radar. However, the illustrious Girls’ Thirds Tennis team at Taft has opened my eyes to what I have been missing for the past 18 years. If you are a tennis virgin, such as myself, let me give you some insight into the world you have yet to experience.
First off, the matches. To give you an idea, Wimbledon has nothing on these thirds matchups. I mean, honestly, I have never seen such intense rallies as I do on the back courts. The ball typically always goes where it’s supposed to AND stays in bounds (well, most of the time). Some of us can hit it so hard that it goes over the fence! Impressive, right? Ten points if you get it to the river behind the courts! We are so good that we don’t even need line judges or ball boys. We are basically the next generation of Serena Williams. But, please do not try to come watch to test my claim, as we like to keep our skills on the DL (totally not because you might be hit in the head by a rogue tennis ball…).
Second of all, the weather. Nothing gives a better serotonin boost than playing thirds tennis in the sun. There is something special about ending a long day of classes inside and getting to step out onto the sun-soaked tennis courts. And because this is a thirds team, sometimes we get to take tanning breaks in between matches. What better way to spend an afternoon than to soak in some UV rays and Vitamin C?
Thirdly, the people. The coaching is simply unparalleled, shoutout to Ms. Campbell! She brings the good vibes that automatically spread to the rest of the team. Devon Blum ‘26 appropriately stated that “As a three-year player and tennis captain, I love connecting with all my amazing friends on the team!” Everyone there is there to have a good time, and even when someone is losing a match against one of their teammates, they will dance and jump around to our amazing playlist with a smile on their face.
As Ms. Campbell says, “I love coaching Girls Thirds Tennis for a few reasons, but I think the biggest reason is always the team. In both years of coaching the team, it has been a great group of girls who loved playing tennis and creating a good team environment. Everyone is striving to get better, but is also having fun. Plus, when the weather is nice and there’s good music playing, I think that just adds to how fun practice can be. Overall, this team has a really special place in my heart, and I’m really looking forward to the season!”
One thing I love about this team is that there is no pressure to be the best, and certainly no one yelling at you if and when you mess up. I have been on my fair share of athletic teams, and I can honestly say that this one might be my favorite. Playing a sport without external pressure is an extremely freeing experience, and one I recommend to everyone, athlete or not. What I once thought was a sport I would never try has become one of my favorite pastimes. I even find myself and my teammates going up to the courts on days when we don’t have practice. Thirds Tennis is an amazing way to stay active and have fun while possibly discovering an activity you love doing.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Collette Campbell
