“G-Vikes on three! 1…2…3…G-G-G-G-Vikes!”

That’s the first thing girls tennis players hear before they’re off to the courts. Well, that and one of Coach Woosley’s infamous motivational speeches. The team is at its all-time high having swept a win at the NIC-10 conference against Jefferson on October 6 and 7.

Lyndsy Martin, senior, has had a remarkable final season. Earlier this month, Martin was featured in Rockford Register Star for her stupendous trait—the ability to play with both hands. This is an advantage that most tennis players do not have, but Martin was lucky enough to inherit after a coach taught her to play right-handed at age nine, even though she is left-handed.

“It was a blast!” said Martin. “I’ve never really been recognized for how I play. I didn’t think it was that different.”

Martin began the season with her doubles partner, senior Hannah Willis, but to broaden the knowledge between older and younger players, Willis and Martin were split. Dori Russo, sophomore, was partnered with Martin for the rest of the season, whereas Willis was partnered with Alyssa LoTempio, junior.

“Dori is naturally good at tennis and she’s very motivating,” said Martin. “She has potential to be even better within her next two years at Guilford.”

Another senior who has had many accomplishments this season is Nicole Christiansen, who has been on the courts since she was three years old. After playing on varsity her freshman year, Christiansen has defended her spot since then. Christiansen manages to balance AP classes and maintain a perfect athletic status. Most recently, she has officially become a four-time IHSA Girls Tennis state qualifier.

“I’m going to miss team bonding the most,” said Christiansen. “Also bus rides and tournaments. Anything that includes spending time with my teammates.”