In her second year on the high school’s team, freshman Valentina Donoso has become an important player on the girls’ tennis team, proving that hard work and determination can make a difference on the court.

The 9th-grader is a skillful player who stands out. She has helped lead the team with an impressive 6 wins and 3 losses in singles matches. Her ability not to break or get nervous under pressure and her strong forehand and backhand have made her a fantastic competitor.

“When I step onto the tennis court, I tell myself that I got this and not to give up. Tennis is pretty much a mental game. You need to stay focused and not let your nerves get to you. When I start getting nervous, I tell myself to take every point slowly and to focus, ” Donoso said.

Her toughest game came against Mast, where she used all her skill during the match. The match showed her competitive side as she pulled through all the sets.
“Mast was one of my hardest matches because the girl and I always play against each other, and she’s really good at tennis. It was a tough match that was very head-to-head,” she said. “I just need to constantly remind myself to remain calm and just push through,” Donoso said.

Tennis has been a part of Valentina’s life for years, but she credits the support of her teammates for helping her reach new goals.

“Although tennis can be a competitive sport, it’s important to surround yourself with a team of girls who care for you,” she said.

“Having each other by our sides helps us want to get better,” Donoso said.

As the season continues, Valentina has set her mind on being able to end the season with continuous wins.

“I want this season to end up going well and for the team to make it to states and win it,” she said. “I have really big goals this season, and I know my team and I can achieve them if we keep working hard,” Donoso said.
Her dedication to improving her game and her leadership on and off the court have made her a key player to watch.