Though Junior Carter Smeal only joined Baldwin’s boys tennis team last year, he has already built strong connections with his team.
His favorite part of the sport is “all the people that I get to be at practice with and support. It’s a great group that all supports each other, so it’s super fun to have that atmosphere,” Smeal said.
Smeal joined the tennis team after his friend, junior Hayden Swanson, recruited him. Since then, Smeal has improved considerably, said junior Nikita Petruk, who also complimented Smeal on his attitude on and off the tennis court.
“Carter is a very nice, respectful guy in our team,” he said. “If you tell him something, for example, to correct him on the shots or give him tactics to win, he will listen and do it. He is the guy who likes to improve.”
Senior Ryan Priano said Smeal has developed several key strengths as a player.
“He seems more aggressive in his play and has excellent ball placement,” Priano said.
Smeal not only loves the team, but also the sport.
“I think it’s just a great combination of mental and physical challenges,” he said. “I like being able to play a game where it’s just you, it’s all on you – but also having a team aspect where you can support each other.”
Smeal said memorable moments this season came when Petruk qualified for WPIALs, and when the whole team saw their skills improving.
Petruck “is the best player on our team, and it’s just really fun to watch everyone do so well this season,” Smeal said.
Priano said Smeal has had his own standout moments, including the match against Peters Township.
“Carter was having back pains a couple of days before and was hurting a lot during his match,” Priano said. “Instead of quitting, Carter pushed through and finished the set while also winning a game and many good points.”
Smeal has improved his game by “always working out to keep my fitness up and being prepared for playing matches,” he said.
In addition to tennis, Smeal is involved in an array of other extracurriculars, including cross country, swim, orchestra, and two outside youth orchestra groups. In the future, he plans to continue playing tennis for fun.
