Player Spotlight: London Lyles By: Kira Flynn Tennis is a sport that requires dedication and precision. Not just anyone can play on the team as it takes commitment, focus, and consistent practice. London Lyles (10) is in her second year of playing tennis and has many more years to come in her journey of being a strong athlete and a caring teammate. Being on a team can be a different experience for everyone. For some athletes, it’s about competition, while for others it’s about building connections and enjoying the shared experience. Lyles describes her time on the team as being entertaining and having great memories along with her team. “It’s so fun. It's really great and everyone's so nice especially as you get better,” Lyles said. Making memories is a crucial part of every sport and many athletes remember moments off the court more vividly than matches. Team traditions and special events help bring players closer together and form stronger bonds. Lyles shared that one of her favorite memories was during the parade rather than in a match. "I loved getting to be in the Christmas parade with the team, it was a lot of fun, really cold though,” Lyles said. Everyone has a way to prepare themselves before a match, whether it's listening to music, stretching, or thinking of strategies, preparation helps players feel more focused on the court. Lyles mentioned how specific breathing styles help her feel ready and calm for a big match. "Deep breaths in and out. Box breathing,” Lyles said. Sometimes a match doesn’t always go our way, and learning to handle disappointment and challenges then adjusting our mindset is a useful skill. Lyles likes to try and stay motivated and focused on the game to turn the odds in her favor. “Really I just try to stay motivated and inspired to keep calm,” Lyles said. For students considering joining the tennis team, Lyles knows the struggles and intimidation of joining a new sport. Tennis can be difficult at first, especially while learning technique and consistency, but improvement comes from practice and persistence. “Even though it's really hard because it is going to be really hard. Once you start playing well it's really fun,” Lyles said. Having goals and a plan for the future is a great way to help athletes stay motivated. Lyles plans to pursue tennis throughout high school, focusing on proving her skills and enjoying the experience with her teammates until her senior year “I really only plan to play in high school,” Lyles said. After playing through two tennis seasons, Lyles chose a song to connect with her experience. It matches the exciting and positive atmosphere tennis has. “I would say Party in the USA fits the vibes of the season so far,” Lyles said. With two more years to go, Lyles will continue making new memories, strengthening friendships, and growing with her team. As she works through her personal goals and the teams’ goals, her dedication and commitment are bright examples of leadership and keeping a great mindset.