Tag Archives: Erin Patterson

Christian DiMartino, Girls Tennis, Peter Hyle, Sports

Girls’ tennis aims to beat their record

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By Peter Hyle and Christian DiMartino

This year the girls’ tennis team has worked to reach the goals set by last year’s team. With a record of 6-2, they aim to do just as well as they did last year. Despite losing many team mates the previous year due to graduation, the team is still going strong.

Junior Alexis Applegate and sophomore Alex Jamison practice before their match against Assumption. Photo by Peter Hyle
Junior Alexis Applegate and sophomore Alex Jamison practice before their match against Assumption. Photo by Peter Hyle

“Our team this year is working extremely well together. Everyone on the team has stepped up and done their part, and we’re still doing great despite the loss,” said junior Erin Patterson.

After last year’s success, everyone on the team has high hopes for what they can accomplish this year.

“I honestly think we have a great chance of making it to state again this season, as long as everyone on the team stays healthy and positive,” said senior Dana Frank.

To produce the kind of hard work and dedication that the team reached last year, everyone is doing their best to achieve their goals.

“I think that last year’s team was so successful because we had really strong team leaders who pushed us to do our absolute best,” said sophomore Kailyn Little, “and because of that we’re state runner-ups now.”

Everyone on the team is remaining positive and optimistic about the rest of their current season.

“Last year we finished second in state, which is actually the farthest any FC girls’ tennis team has gone before. It’s crazy to think about,” said Frank.

Even though the team is doing well so far this year, it is hard for everyone on the team to go through a season without the seniors that they lost last year.

“They impacted the team in so many ways. They were truly just role models to every girl on the team, and they were amazing players too. It was a hard transition after losing four of them. It felt like losing family members,” said Little.

Everyone on the team is optimistic about the future of this years’ team, looking past the loss and focusing on the strengths that the team still holds.

“They [the seniors] were a huge part of the team, but they weren’t the whole team. It was obviously tough losing them, but we’re excelling more than anyone thought we would this year without them,” said sophomore Alex Jamison.

 

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Junior tennis player balances activities, schoolwork

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By Sydney Sears

As junior Erin Patterson enters into school each day, she has more than just her school work on her mind.

“I play varsity tennis, I sing in a Cappella choir and chamber singers. I am also secretary of student council for this 2013-2014 school year. I am also traveling to Washington, D.C. with the constitutional government debate team this April,” said Erin.

Along with all of Erin’s extracurriculars she is also one of the top ranked students in the Junior Class. Erin shares that although it is hard to keep up, she tries not to procrastinate.

“Erin is an exceptionally fast learner. She can read or listen and comprehend things usually on the first pass through. She also has a sharp memory that allows her to recall things exactly as presented,” said Erin’s father, Kevin Patterson.

He also shared that Erin is extremely driven and completes her homework as soon as she arrives home from school.

These qualities, along with others, have allowed Erin to persevere through high school and prepare for her future.

“She’s not afraid to speak her mind and stands up for what she believes in,” said junior Bailey Smith.

Tennis coach James Markert has also seen Erin’s characteristics in tennis.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success,” said Markert.

Her parents have also helped her with preparing for the future.

“Hopefully, we have helped Erin by providing her the tools to be successful. Whether it is a computer, car, racquet, book or tennis shoe, we have tried to make sure she has what she needs,” said Kevin.

With all the activities Erin participates in, tennis is what she enjoys the most.

“Tennis is my favorite activity. I have been playing for years and I really enjoy the sport and the people with whom I play,” said Erin.

Markert has seen Erin improve vastly.

“I’ve seen her tennis skills improve every step of the way because those are more visibly noticeable, but she’s also making mental strides, as seen in some big wins last season during the heart of the run to state,” said Markert.

He has also seen Erin’s personality qualities shine.

“As good as our teams have been over the years, our personality qualities have been even better, and Erin definitely showcases this.  She’s competitive, she’s a team player, she’s always willing to help her fellow teammates for the betterment of the team, and she likes to have fun on the court, which is crucial to our success.”