Recently, we had the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with Kevin Martlage, the dedicated tennis coach at SJO, to discuss the evolution and success of the tennis program. Here are his thoughtful insights on the journey and future of the team.
Program Growth and Community Support
Kevin Martlage expressed immense pride in the remarkable growth of the tennis program over the past three years. The unwavering support from the community, players, parents, and the school has been a cornerstone of this success. Reflecting on the journey from a modest beginning with just 10 players to now having 47 participants is truly heartening. Witnessing students pick up a racquet for the first time and progress to winning matches, or achieving a 4th place team finish in sectionals, is incredibly rewarding. While victories are gratifying, the primary goal remains to provide these young athletes with the opportunity to learn and develop a lifelong passion for tennis. Despite the challenges of mastering the sport, the players have embraced it wholeheartedly, competing against some of the best in the area. The opportunity to foster a love for tennis is fulfilling, regardless of match outcomes.
Commitment and Improvement
For Coach Martlage, observing the girls’ continuous improvement and dedication throughout the season is the most rewarding aspect of coaching. Tennis is a demanding sport, especially with only two divisions for girls’ tennis in Illinois, which means facing strong, established programs regularly. The effort and commitment these young athletes demonstrate in learning and playing a new sport is truly commendable. Their presence on the court is driven by a genuine love for the game, the joy of learning, and the camaraderie they share. This dedication has laid a solid foundation for the team’s future growth. Tennis requires both physical skill and mental resilience, and as the players’ abilities improve, their mental toughness and determination continue to impress. They are not only becoming better tennis players but also developing valuable life skills that will benefit them beyond high school.
Progress and Achievements
Since the start of the season in August, the team has made significant strides. Coach Martlage’s goal for each player is to improve daily, focusing on playing each point to their fullest potential and maintaining mental toughness. With only five returning players and 22 newcomers who had never played tennis before, the progress has been remarkable. Although not every match results in a win, the continuous development of skills sets the team up for success in sectionals and beyond. Coach Martlage is extremely proud of the team’s achievements and is eager to see how they continue to grow as they approach future competitions.
Attracting New Players
The growing interest in tennis among girls is attributed to the sport’s novelty and the opportunity it provides to represent their community and school. Tennis offers a unique experience and a chance to enjoy a sport that can be played for a lifetime. The increasing number of players each year, including 22 new participants this season, highlights the excitement surrounding the program. The supportive environment, combined with the fun and hard work involved, encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Practicing at the world-class Atkins Tennis Center, where they often see Illini players, adds to the sport’s allure. Ultimately, tennis is an enjoyable game to play and watch, and once people experience it, they often become enthusiastic advocates, encouraging others to join.
Passion for Coaching
Coach Martlage’s passion for coaching at SJO stems from the students themselves. Teaching them a game he played at their age is incredibly rewarding. Watching them overcome initial challenges with skills like forehands and serves, and then succeed in matches, is unmatched. Beyond individual achievements, it’s about building a sustainable program that offers opportunities to students who might not have participated in sports otherwise. The choice of these students to pursue tennis over other activities motivates Coach Martlage to support and nurture their passion on the court every day.