Team First

Dear Wonderful Fans,

During our lifting session today I was inspired by something in our team that has been distinctly present throughout this semester, and throughout our time together as a team thus far. A catchy phrase that we have used both seriously and jokingly sums it up: TEAM FIRST! During our more challenging lift today, it was evident that we all could feel the effects of the intensive season on our bodies. We have been working hard throughout the semester and as we move further into our ACC matches, we all realize that it is not going to get easier. However, what is remarkable (and I use today’s lift as an example), is that despite the fatigue and aches that we all feel to a certain extent, there has barely been any complaining. Instead there has been an increase in encouragement and a strong sense of togetherness. This togetherness in our team, both on and off the court, has made our season so much more enjoyable because no matter what the challenge may be, we have each other’s backs and that reassurance is enough to get us through the toughest of times.

In a sports psychology session with Greg Dale this semester we discussed our core team values and the importance of adhering to them. In amongst others such as trust and fight, “team first” came up and seems to have had the most profound effect on our team. Why? Because countless hours of hard work, determination and oodles of fight would not be as satisfying if we only did it for ourselves. Knowing that by working hard you’re also improving your team is so much more motivating and rewarding and in college tennis, this is the key to a successful program.

Yes, we are a tennis team and therefore we associate the “team first “idea with tennis related activities. But, to put your team first in tennis, you need to put your team first in other aspects of your life as well. This season has proved that we are all willing to do this. Mary Clayton is a great example of this. In doubles, I must admit that I usually have the jitters at the beginnings of matches but Mary has taken the time to figure out what she can do to try and relieve me of this problem. She uses seemingly insignificant things such as smiling more often to try and relax me and this has made the world of difference. Additionally, it is no secret that Mar has been steam rolling her opponents in the last few matches. Instead of dwelling in her victory, Mary immediately goes to another court to cheer on a teammate as if her personal success depended on it. Off the court, Mary also exemplifies the “team first” idea. All the girls will agree with me when I say that Mary is a “social butterfly” and has many friends around Duke campus because of her bubbly, friendly personality. However, she is always willing to help her team out first. I know that I not only treasure Mary’s friendship, but I also respect her for the way in which she selflessly thinks and puts the team above herself.

DWT can be described as a successful tennis team. But to us, DWT is a family where everything we do is for the benefit of each other. Every single girl is the most important part of the team and we all realize and maintain that idea. This will hopefully help us be successful this season and for seasons to come. But more importantly, I hope that this helps us in our futures where we can remain friends and help each other in times of need. TEAM FIRST!

This week we are leaving for two away matches to continue our ACC play:

On Friday we play Boston College and on Sunday we play Maryland.

Thank you for all your support so far this season. It has been really helpful to all of us!

GO DUKE!

Yours in tennis,

Monica Gorny and the rest of DWT