Tennis, not the most famous of sports in the world. Not the biggest attention grabber you’ve ever seen, but it certainly is stressful in many aspects. Whether it’s the state tournament, a friendly dual match, or the match that decides a playoff seed, team tennis is a sport that requires a lot of maturity and grit.

Olivia Alvarez, one of the top players on the team tennis state championship team, was a key contributor to the help of getting that gold medal for the school. But what makes her so special, is she competed against some of the best tennis players in the state of Texas, while only being a freshman.

“Having all these big teams who have been there before and kids who have been on this stage multiple times was a bit intimidating for me,” Alvarez said.

Team tennis requires great team chemistry to do well during the season.

“Having a good relationship with your teammates definitely helps,” Alvarez said. “Tennis is such a hard sport to perform in with negative comments being thrown at you. A lot of it is mental.”

Team tennis is only played once a year during the fall. Alvarez explained how team tennis is played.

“It’s the first team to reach ten wins overall, “Alvarez said. “Every player plays one doubles then followed up by one singles.”

Alvarez explains that it’s a stressful couple of matches trying to beat a good team, especially at the state tournament.

“It can get pretty stressful when you’re up 9-8 or down 8-9. Every match counts,” Alvarez said. “But it’s so relieving once you get the tenth win and get to drive home with the victory.”

Alvarez explains how most of the time team tennis is more stressful than individual tennis in the spring.

“In individuals, they put you in a bracket and you’re on your own,” Alvarez said. “In team tennis if you lose, not only are you letting yourself down, but also your entire team.”

Team tennis gets even more stressful when playoffs come, especially when the score is close.

“It was stressful in Claire Maxcey and my doubles match,” Alvarez said. “Both teams were watching. Both teams needed a win so they could take the momentum to singles. It was very close, but we pulled it out in the end.”

Alvarez was one of two freshman holding up the trophy in the end. Alvarez explains the lift of anxiety.

“Holding up the trophy had a lot of mixed emotions,” Alvarez said. “It was a lot of relief, excitement and joy. The whole season went by so fast. I can’t wait to do it all over again next season.”