The Greeley Girls Varsity Tennis Team had a great season this fall, finishing 8-5. Through their hard work and determination, they were able to accomplish this impressive winning record. While some schools only perform well in singles, the Quakers succeeded in both styles of tennis: singles and doubles. Tennis is an interesting sport because although often perceived as an individual game, another aspect of tennis is the partnership required of doubles, which involves two coordinated players.

The Greeley Voice interviewed a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, sophomore doubles player Meadow Zhang, about the two different styles. When asked to describe the differences and what she thought about each type of play, Zhang explained that “singles and doubles have different dynamics; while in singles you have to be focused and dependent on yourself, in doubles you partly depend on someone else but you have a teammate to help get you through the match.” Zhang highlights an important point–teamwork–which is required when playing doubles to support one another. For example, if one person is playing poorly, the other person can help bring them up. If teamwork is not achieved, the partners may become frustrated with one another, making the match more stressful, overall. Singles, on the other hand, does not require teamwork but rather internal motivation to get through the match. If a singles player is struggling, they only have themselves to depend on: it’s their personal responsibility to fight back and get ahead. But, in doubles, players run the risk of not only letting themselves down, but their partner as well.
Later, Zhang was asked a difficult question: singles versus doubles, which is harder? Zhang replied: “They are hard in different ways. I wouldn’t say one is harder than the other, they are challenging in their own ways.” Clearly, the pressures between competing in singles versus doubles is different, therefore making it difficult to compare. Each type requires different skill sets and personal traits such as teamwork and motivation.
The Greeley Girls Varsity Tennis Team made it to the second round of the playoffs, defeated by Scarsdale in sectionals. The team has demonstrated both mental and physical strength in their many, many rounds of singles and doubles played this season. The Greeley Voice wishes the players the best of luck in their offseason and hope they return with the same strength and vigor next year.