There was a time when Mount Vernon girls varsity tennis would start with preseason training in the summer and be finished by October, but that is no more.
Now, it is a 12-month-per-0year commitment. The 2021 scholastic season began last year with all of the hard work that this year’s team did. That includes participation in nonscholastic tournaments, lessons – both indoor and outdoor – with area high school and college coaches and weight training.
For Lucy Ogle, last year’s No. 2 singles player for the Yellow Jackets, her rise to this year’s No. 1 singles spot, replacing graduated senior Justine Hull, was not just a single step. There was a lot of work involved, but it has left her better prepared.
“The learning curve is a lot smaller now,” Ogle said. “We still have to get used to all the team being there, all the time. There is a little more of a commitment, in-season, but the physical aspect of it becomes a lot easier because we stay in shape all year round.”
Indoor practice in the winter and weight training in the high school field house have boosted her strength and skill and that of her teammates, but it has also instilled stronger bonds within the team.
“Getting to see my teammates, throughout the year and getting to keep up with each other, is very nice,” Ogle said. “It gives us a sense of community and keeps us motivated throughout the year.”
Ogle started as a doubles player on a strong Jackets team in her freshman season. As a senior and in her third season as a singles player, Ogle has slowly grown into her role on the team.
“I would say my confidence has improved the most,” Ogle said. “My freshman year was probably my strongest. We were undefeated in our conference, and I liked the dynamic of being paired up with a partner, so I think it has taken me a long time to get adjusted to playing singles. It’s just you out there on the court. It takes a lot of discipline to keep yourself in check when it’s just you.”
“(Ogle) looks like she has improved her ground strokes and is a little more steady,” Mount Vernon coach Steve Tier said. “I’ve seen her throw in a little drop shot here and there. You can tell that a lot of our players have worked hard over the summer.”
The Jackets also lost singles player Marah Staats and doubles player Jessie Gourley to graduation, but they come back with 14 players, including 10 juniors and seniors. Emma Annette will supplant Ogle at No. 2 singles this fall, while Anna Dinnen will fill the No. 3 role.
Tier knows who will make up his doubles teams, but it’s going to be a matter of fitting the pieces together correctly. Molly Clow and Leah Gourley will likely form half of each pair. Tier will see whether Grace Mayville will fit better with the former or the latter. Addison Cooperider will pair with the other. Ryland Kanuckel-Wolfe will rotate into one of those two spots to get some varsity experience.
“Those last three, when they played their matches to help determine where they would be on the ladder, came out very close,” Tier said.
