This fall, Wakefield women’s varsity tennis team is working to excel both in the classroom and on the court. With a team record of 5-8 and solid solo performances, it is clear that the girls display a strong effort in each match. These student-athletes bring their endeavors to tennis and their classes as they maintain high grades across their schedule.

Junior Hannah Armstrong has a weighted GPA of 4.375 by making sure she prioritizes her work during the school day. Armstrong even goes so far as to multitask during matches, watching her teammates and completing homework assignments.

“I balance academics and athletics by doing all the school work that I can while in school,” Armstrong said. “During the matches, I will sometimes do my homework too because there is a lot of time I am on the bench.”

Motivation and discipline are key aspects of being a successful student-athlete. Senior Sierra Royalty believes that tennis teaches people the skills and attitudes they need to excel in schoolwork while being an active member on the team. Royalty is a top player, also while maintaining a weighted GPA of 4.47, proving her greatness in school and her sport.

“Tennis is a lot about perseverance and staying focused,” Royalty said. “It has taught me to stay focused during a match and then to apply that focus on other things in my life like homework.”

Captain and junior Maya Raftery believes there is a reward for all the stress of school and sports. Being on the team helps her to form connections, get into clubs and strengthen her college applications when the time comes.

“I would say [the stress of being a student-athlete] is worth it because [being an athlete] gives you more opportunities to get into other clubs like the National Athletic Honor Society,” Raftery said. “Being in sports is good for college applications as well.”

Assistant coach Caroline Jones works to encourage a sense of academic excellence within her team. She explains how her role allows her to help her players succeed on and off the tennis court.

“[As an assistant coach I] make sure players are attending what they need to attend academically,” Jones said. “I also set an example that [players must] be successful in academics to play [tennis].”

These athletes take their education seriously as they also receive tennis training. While they achieve greatness on paper, they stay on top of their game, bringing their advanced athleticism to practice and matches.

“We have a high level of proficiency among the top athletes, they are very skilled and have had many years of training,” Armstrong said.