Credit to Alexa Lauer

The varsity girls tennis team huddles before one of their matches.

The FHN Lady Knights tennis team had the largest numbers in school history. As this was a very excited, motivated and large group of girls, this can cause many problems to arise. However, senior co-captains Courtney Epplin and Kailyn Curtis have worked along head coach Zach Howard’s side to create a community and a sport that is enjoyed by all ages and levels.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a captain so far has been getting to know the new girls on the team,” Epplin said. “We have over 40 girls this year on the tennis team, and it has grown exponentially since I’ve been in high school. With so many new freshmen, I’ve tried to get to know them when we are in line for drills or driving to matches, but it is definitely a challenge to create a good team dynamic.”

Pre-season workouts, trainings, open courts and team bondings were all major efforts in this building process. With only six spots available each year on varsity, the two captains worked to build this community early on in the season so that when it came time for challenge matches and determining ranks, the team would not feel as divided.

“I balance being a leader and a teammate by remembering how I felt when I was in their shoes,” Curtis said. “It all goes back to including others and making connections. Being approachable has helped me build those friendships. Teammates can connect with communicate with me. I probably wouldn’t have those relationships if others did not see me as approachable.”

As tennis season is one of the shortest fall sports, the girls are cherishing their last moments as captains, but most importantly as friends. The team had many celebrations such as big wins against Troy Buchanan and Fort Zumwalt South, traveling to Joplin, Missouri, and their senior night that fell on Sept. 30.

“The most rewarding aspect of being a captain has been my friendship with Kailyn, my co-captain,” Epplin said. “We have grown so much in leadership from this experience, and seeing the girls succeed makes us so happy. We communicate every day about all things tennis, and I love talking to her about anything and everything.”