STATE!!!

For a high school athlete, the whole season comes down to qualifying for state. The long practices, the running, the frustrations are all a part of the athletic experience, and are all worth the effort if you can make it to state. For adults, or those who do not play sports, the accomplishment may sound small and unworthy of a blog entry. But believe me, there is nothing more exciting than playing in a match that will secure you a place at the state tournament. That is precisely what my doubles partner, Megan, and I did yesterday at the tennis regional competition.

I have been a member of the varsity tennis team for three years. The first year i was only a part of the team when one player got hurt. I stepped in for about six weeks and was not able to participate directly in the state tournament. Sophomore year, I played number 6 singles and our team won state. However, at the individual regionals i did not make it past the first round. This year, my junior year, i have finally accomplished something i have been working towards for nearly 3 years. I finally will be traveling to Ames to compete in the individual state competition.
Not only that, but i get to do it with one of my best friends.

Megan and i started our friendship in competition. Freshman and Sophomore year we challenged each other dozens of times in hopes of landing a spot on the varsity team. She "won" freshman year by making herself part of the number three doubles team. I "won" sophomore year by playing number six, however she still played number three doubles. This year, there is far less competition because we both play varsity, and we have to work together as a doubles team. This is not always easy because sometimes we get frustrated with each other, or ourselves, and get angry. But overall we are a good team, and i can't wait to show off our skills at the state meet in two weeks!