As the winter sports season comes to a close, the girls tennis season is approaching quickly. Tennis season is scheduled to start February  29, with tryouts and competition following the next week. Though the season is only three out of the twelve months of the year, Paul Kardel, girls tennis coach requests that his athletes practice on the outdoor courts. If snow causes complications off season, country clubs like the The Country Club at Woodmoor tend to be a popular option for some of the players. However, if snow interrupts tennis practice during the official season, rackets are replaced with shovels and the courts are then cleaned by the players.

“We have to shovel the courts so that we can play and tryout. Last year the tryouts were delayed for two weeks, because we were so busy shoveling snow, and the snow kept coming,” Averi Strickenburger,10, said.

After a heavy blanket of white precipitation, the usual announcement is the call in the afternoon canceling tennis practice for that day, and if the announcement is not made, it is guaranteed that practice time will be spent shoveling. Some athletes like Hannah Chipman, 12, try their best to see the chore as something useful.

“Well, first of all we start by shoveling the courts. This our conditioning time to work on arm strength by shoveling the tennis court,” Chipman said.   

On the days with no snow, the team practice includes running drills, hitting volleys, backhand as well as forehand swings and serving, but those days are sometimes limited when shoveling.

“If there is a lot of snow then we practice in the building, or watch tennis videos,” Aubrey Abbott, 10, said. “When we are forced to play inside we hit the ball against the wall, to work on our form.”

The freshman who plan on trying out for the team are nervous do to the rumors from the upperclassmen about shoveling. Some are worried that tryout may be difficult if the courts are icy.

“Judging from last year, I will probably be spending the first two weeks shoveling snow. It’s going to be hard work, and it is going to be cold, but I think I’ll enjoy it,” Annie Ackerman, 9, said. “Assuming I can make the team.”