Hunter is a multi-sport athlete at a large school, and while there are so many great things that come with that, it takes a toll physically and mentally.
Back in February, after a couple rounds in the state soccer playoffs, his soccer season finally came to an end. But there wasn’t really an “end.” Tennis tryouts had already happened, and just two days later he was expected to show up for the first tennis match of the season.
No break. No recovery. No time to reset mentally.
He had to show up on the court as if he hadn’t just endured a gruelling season and play against kids who spent the last 6 months prepping for this very season.
He’s competitive and sometimes “good enough” never really feels good enough. He wants to win. He wants to improve. He wants to feel confident on the court. And we keep cheering from the sidelines, “It’s enough – have fun!” Have fun with your friends. Have fun with your brother. Tennis doesn’t have to be your life.
Hallie was passionate about tennis and made it a priority — she built much of her high school life around it. Hunter is different. He likes tennis, but it’s always been his second sport. Soccer is where his heart has been, and that’s the sport he chooses to prioritize. (In fact, there were many days he played/practiced high school tennis and then had to turn around and attend a club soccer practice or game.) He’s a strong athlete, so he shows up on the court well, even giving minimal time compared to his teammates but he feels that gap. He feels the lack of preparation, the physical exhaustion, and the pressure of wanting to perform at a high level anyway.
Therein lies the struggle. We see it in him. I admire all that he’s given a second sport, often on an empty tank. It’s not for the faint of heart.
He had a great season. His last match was probably the best we’ve ever seen him play and a highlight for sure was watching him play doubles with Bennett. He was patient and encouraged him like a great older brother. We loved watching him play every match.
I’m not sure what he’ll do with tennis, but I sure hope he sticks with it at some level.
Bennett had his first taste of high school tennis in the fall when he played on the freshman tennis team. Freshmen are eligible to play in the spring on the JV/Varsity team, but the freshmen season ensures they get some time on the court.
He worked so hard between the two seasons. He played with friends every weekend. He attended clinic before soccer practice. When he had free time, he was looking for a ride to the courts and he found a new passion in tennis. (Which is funny because we tried getting him in tennis a few years back and he wanted nothing to do it with it because it wasn’t his idea yet!)
His hard work paid off and he earned a spot on the JV team and I loved watching him develop over the season. He had very little match-play experience going into the season and every day he got a little better. He was hitting his stride towards the end of the season when he experienced a back injury and he was forced to sit the last several matches of the season. He so badly wanted to return to the court so after sitting for a couple weeks he thought he would give doubles a try. He was playing great until he twisted his back on a shot and he struggled to finish the match and with that, his season came to an abrupt end.
It was a fun run and he’s excited to put more time and training towards tennis in the off-season. He’ll be back!
These two went from playing for the high school soccer team together, to playing for the tennis team without any break in between. It’s a good thing they like each other because they spend more time together than most high school siblings. Hunter has been a great older brother to not only tease a little but to also show him the ropes and help him navigate high school.
They had a great season and even had some fun along the way. They got to play doubles together one match when there were some injuries/sickness so the coach moved some other players around so they could compete on the same court and they pulled off a W. They are not at the same level, but it was fun to see them work together for a match.
When I was a much younger mom, deep in the trenches of baby and toddler life, I couldn’t even imagine signing my kids up for sports or activities. There wasn’t extra time. There certainly wasn’t extra money. Most days felt like survival mode with Steve working 45 mins away and going to school. Adding one more thing to the calendar sounded overwhelming.
I had no idea how different life would be as they grew into teenagers.
Now, I can’t imagine it any other way. I didn’t understand what joy and fulfillment would come from sitting on the sidelines and cheering for my kids. It’s funny how something that once felt so out of reach would become such a meaningful part of our daily life.
For Hallie, it was tennis. I had never played, but when she decided to play competitively, I did everything I could to learn the game. I was all in because she was all in.
When the boys started playing soccer, that one was an easy buy-in. I played all through my teenage years, so it felt familiar and comfortable. I know the game. I love the game. And I love watching them play.
Mostly, I just love watching my kids – it is one of the unforseen highlights of motherhood. I see them win and lose. I see them disappointed and injured. I see them excited. I see them show up when they’re exhausted. I see them lead their teams. I see them being coached (on and off the field). I get a front row seat to watch them grow and it’s been such a fun show.
We just wrapped up the high school soccer season; Bennett with his freshman team and Hunter with his varsity team. We’re used to weekend soccer, but high school season is during the week and it has been a busy couple of months juggling the two teams (and still managing Briggs and Cannon’s teams on the weekends) and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Bennett’s team finished a few weeks ago but with Hunter’s team playing in state playoffs, he wrapped up last night. And as much as I wish it ended on a win – it didn’t! Luckily, he’ll be back next year. (Probably not any bigger but likely stronger!)
I have more to say about Hunter’s season, but I’ll save that for another day. For now, I’m just grateful for this season – both soccer and this season of life – and the opportunity cheer them on.
I’m not sure whether he would’ve chosen soccer if it weren’t for his older brothers playing and the full-size goal in the backyard – but he’s playing and he’s good. He’s aggressive and has no fear going head to head with any of his opponents – even when they’re bigger than he is. In fact, when Briggs initially tried out for the competitive team at the beginning of the season, his coach acknowledged he didn’t have the same experience as the other players, but he had grit which is hard to teach – the coach was willing to take a chance on him and teach him the skills he needed.
It was a good season, and I was impressed with the growth of the team, but really, I had my eye on one player and how far he came. He learned the foundations of soccer. He’s feisty and aggressive and he doesn’t back down which is indicative of his role as the youngest brother who has older brothers constantly pestering him. Who knows if he’ll stick with soccer but we’re sure enjoying the show for now.
