By Helena Pierry

With flowers beginning to bloom, it is a clear indication that spring has arrived. Alongside the arrival of spring, a new sports season has begun, with many different teams building new connections and improving their skills together. The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team is excited for the upcoming season, where they show promising skills. Captains Maggie Ben-Meir ‘26 and Nina Bortner ‘26 are both looking forward to getting to know the team and seeing how the team dynamic develops. 

After working hard during their preseason spring break trip in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the girls continue to push themselves. While recalling preseason, Ben-Meir mentioned that it was beneficial as “it helped us all get to know each other and allowed us to bond, which is important for team building.” Bortner said, “It is such a good way to prepare for the season, as we not only get to know each other better, but we also get to learn from really talented coaches.” Once they returned from preseason, they had a few more practices before their first match on Monday, March 30th, against Hamden Hall. Ben-Meir mentioned that some of their challenges from that match included the long bus ride and the windy weather, causing her to believe that they “are going to have to adjust to outdoor conditions.” Despite it being a very close match, the team unfortunately lost 3-4. They will continue to practice and improve as they prepare for their upcoming matches throughout April and May. 

Although the season is just beginning, both captains have high expectations for their team and the rest of the season. Ben-Meir hopes that “everyone tries their best and tries to get better.” She also wishes that “no one feels bad when they lose,” as she believes it is important to have fun while still being competitive. Throughout the season, Bortner expects the team to “foster a positive environment for each other and to be the most uplifting version of this team.”

Looking ahead, Ben-Meir predicts that their biggest challenges might be facing “some teams that are notoriously good,” but she hopes that they will still be able to play well and win games against tough teams. Bortner agrees that in the upcoming season, “there will be some really tough matches, but I have no doubt that we will be fine.”  

Both captains are looking forward to Wildcat Weekend, when the team will play Saint Luke’s at Rye Country Day. Both captains enjoy playing on the home courts, as Ben-Meir mentioned, “We usually play at SUNY, but for Wildcat Weekend, we play at school, and lots of people watch. It is always fun to have an audience.” Bortner is also looking forward to “mixed doubles with the boys’ team, which is when we do costumes together, and it is a really fun and unserious time.”

The captains particularly enjoy the supportive environment created on the team. Ben-Meir said that her favorite part of being on a team is that “everyone wants to see the rest of the team do well and succeed.” She specifically mentions that the RCDS Girls’ Tennis Team provides a supportive environment in a sport that normally tends to be more individual. Bortner believes that the best part of being on the team is “growing both connections and skills, and especially as a captain, growing leadership skills.”

After being on the team for several years, the captains provided insightful advice for the younger players. Ben-Meir hopes that younger players “try to enjoy the season as much as they can.” Similarly, Bortner advises new players to stay dedicated, “but it is also equally important to enjoy yourself.”