After playing volleyball in middle school but not making the cut for the team freshman year, senior Chelsea Luxemburger realized she was destined to play tennis throughout her high school career.
“I took a two-year break to try out volleyball with my friends, but returned to (tennis) for all four years” at Baldwin, Luxemburger said.
Luxemburger began playing tennis when her dad signed her up for a program during elementary school. She then continued to play at Glen Creek Tennis Club in South Park. Now, she has made lifelong friends due to the sport.
“The bus rides are definitely very memorable,” Luxemburger said of playing for Baldwin. “We have so many fun conversations about life, and we listen to music.”
Junior Naomi Eggert met Luxemburger her freshman year. Eggert describes Luxemburger as a warm person.
“She was so welcoming and such a sweet person,” Eggert said. “Some memories I have with her are when she drives me to practice and home all the time. She is always there for me when I need her.”
Senior Cayleigh Fitzurka met Luxemburger her freshman year as well. They were the only two freshmen on the team and became friends because of it.
Fitzurka says Luxemburger is a motivated player.
“She’s good at not giving up in the middle of the match and fighting to win,” Fitzurka said.
Tennis, for Luxemburger, can sometimes be stressful, which is when her teammates are a big help.
“You put a lot of pressure on yourself in singles, as you can only rely on yourself,” she said. “And if you start playing badly, you need to keep a positive attitude, which can be hard with no support while being on the court. Being cheered on from the sidelines is very helpful to keep pushing.”
Overall, Luxemburger has been able to improve the mental aspect of her game, which has also helped her performance physically.
“It is a very mental sport, and if you lack confidence and endurance, you will never get better,” Luxemburger said.
Eggert praised Luxemburger for how her matches have gone so far.
“She has so much power when she hits the balls,” Eggert said.
The team has made it to playoffs in Luxemburger’s sophomore, junior, and senior years, but so far has not gone further than the first round. She has high hopes for this year.
“I have seen every girl improve from last year,” Luxemburger said.
