GD: Out of all the sports to play, why tennis? 

MK: Tennis is fun! Especially with a great team, it’s fun to joke around and have fun. I like how it’s secretly intense. People think that tennis players aren’t athletic, but if you look closely, it is very intense and engaging to watch. Another aspect I like about tennis is that it is both an individual and team sport. 

GD: How difficult was it to make varsity? What does it take to be on varsity?

MK: Every year, there is pressure on each player trying out because we need to meet the coach’s expectations. To be on varsity means being dedicated to the sport. During the summer, we came out every morning to practice for two hours in the blistering heat. I remember during tryouts, all the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were nervous and trying to impress the coach until the last moment. Through all the laps, bottles of sun block, suicides, frustration, sweat, and sunspots, we were able to improve and grow strong as one unified team. It also takes patience because you have to accept the fact that you always have room for improvement and try to progress your skills to become the best player possible! :D

GD: Is sports very time consuming? How do you manage your time?

MK: Sports are very time consuming! However, I manage my time by making a clean schedule every day and following it. With the help of friends and by using my time wisely, I was able to manage my time well throughout the season. 

GD: Some people say that tennis is an easy sport and that it does not require a lot of running. What do you have to say about this? 

MK: They don’t know what they’re talking about! >:] In tennis, footwork is one of the most important skills you need. You have to have a fast reaction to the ball and have quick feet that can run to the ball when they are hit out wide or out of your reach. 

GD: Knowing how sports can get competitive, has there ever been a time when you got in a fight with your team mates? Did you ever feel that you could do better alone? If so, how did you resolve it? 

MK: I have never gotten in a fight with any of my teammates before. Our 08-09 varsity team is a very caring, loving, and considerate team, so it is hard to get in fights with them even if the sport gets competitive. The girls are very supportive of each other and I can never imagine getting in a fight with any of them! :-)

GD: What advice do you have for the JV and Freshman/Sophomore for making varsity next year? 

MK: You MUST listen to the coach’s advice and learn to take in his constructive criticism. If the coach tells you to change your form or hit a certain way, you have to actually listen to him and try to change. If not, then the coach will most likely not select a player like that for varsity. Also, be friendly to the other girls on the team! If you seclude yourself from the other girls, your experience will not be fun. Everyone is very nice and funny so get to know every player. :] Oh, and try to practice outside of school too. 

GD: Do you have any rituals that you follow before any game?

MK: Before every game, we have a cheer that we say. Each of us screams it at the top of our lungs, and it pumps us up for our match. The cheer motivates us to win and have fun. 

GD: After a long time, Oxford Tennis is finally going to CIF. How do you feel about going? How did you contribute to this success? 

MK: I feel very excited! I think it’s a very big privilege to make it this far with such a great team. This is my first time going to CIFs and I actually don’t know what to expect so I’m very open-minded about my experience. Every team member has their own responsibility of playing their absolute best when they are played. In every match I played, I tried my best to stay consistent in bringing back as many games as I could. 

GD: What do you think your chances are of winning at CIF this year?

MK: I actually don’t know because this is my first year making it to CIFs and I don’t know how it works that well. All I know is that me and my partner need to play to the best of our potential and make our team proud :-) Maybe, just maybe, we’ll go really far in CIFs and get a flag banner thingy for our gym!