A closer look at the Thompson Middle School 8th Grade Girls Tennis Team from Syosset

January 1, 2009 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Thompson Pic

Long Island Tennis Magazine recently had the opportunity to chat with Jenna Poczic and Jennifer Colton of the 8th grade girls tennis team from Thompson Middle School in Syosset, N.Y. Jenna and Jennifer shared their insights on the sport of tennis and took a look forward to their future in the sport.
 
What do you like most about playing school team tennis?
Jenna Poczic: Getting to play tennis every day after school with my friends and classmates.
Jennifer Colton: I thought that it was really great to be part of a team where you could root on others' matches and see friends from other schools.
 
Explain the adjustments you had to make when having different doubles partners?
JC: It was really difficult to change partners because everyone has a different style of play. I really liked the fact that towards the end of the season, I had one partner who I knew very well.
 
What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of your game?
JP: My strengths are my forehand and approach shot. My main weakness is my serve. 
JC: I think that I am a strong baseline player, but my serve is really inconsistent and I am easily intimidated at the net.
 
What was it like going up against the best players from other schools?
JP: Going up against the other school’s best players was challenging, however they all resulted in good, close matches whether I won or lost.
 
If you could play a tennis match with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
JP: If I could play a match with anyone in the world, I would like to play with Maria Sharapova because she is my favorite player and I admire the way she plays.
JC: I love playing with my mom because I know I can beat her, but she makes me laugh and play as well as I can.
 
Do you hope to play in high school next year?
JP: Yes, I would love to play on the high school team next year because I love playing and want to continue playing for years to come.
JC: Playing in high school is my goal for the year. I would love to play on a more competitive scale, but still in a team atmosphere.
 
Who is your favorite professional player?
JP: My favorite professional player is Maria Sharapova.
JC: My favorite professional player has always been Serena Williams, and not just because she won the Open!
 
Did you have a favorite or most memorable moment to your season?
JP: My most memorable moment of the season was my comeback in a match against South Woods.
JC: My favorite part of the season was when my partner and I came back from a 5-0 deficit to send it into a tie-breaker. Too bad we lost!
 
What do you want to be when you grow up?
JC: I am always asked this question, but really, I have no idea. I guess I really don’t want to grow up at all!

 

 

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
USTA NTC
Pointset

March/April 2024 Digital Edition