Tomorrow, I start tennis lessons. I have not played since 1999. While I played for the tennis team in high school I was not a competitive or ranked player. The summer before tryouts my mom enrolled me in tennis lessons with a pro from U-M. In addition to teaching tennis basics, the pro encouraged a complete fitness regimen to ensure better endurance, speed, agility and flexibility on the court. All students ran track, completed timed sprints and did calisthenics.
At the conclusion of summer training, I was confident in my pursuit of a position on the high school tennis team. At summer physicals my BMI measured in the single digits. At the time I had no idea what this meant. I now know how impressive that little number was.
During tryouts I soon learned my summer of lessons did not compare with my peers' level of play. Many had 10 years competitive experience. Luck got me on the team. The school district was late employing a team coach. Hence, tryouts were not broadly publicized and not many students tried out.
My position on the tennis team was great exercise and fun. It was a very worthwhile experience. I loved playing because of the camaraderie that came with being a part of this fabulous team of young ladies. I am hopeful my re-entry into the tennis world will give me another opportunity to forge some new friendships while also putting some zest back into my fitness regimen.
