Danielle Sum is a junior at Judson University and a member of the first women's tennis program in over 10 years. Below is her thoughts on the new season, being a part of this program, and about Judson University.Tennis at Judson has been wonderful. I am so blessed by the amazing coaching I have received and I could tell a HUGE difference in my game even after the first week. I have not been pushed this hard and have not felt this good in a long time. Sometimes I get frustrated with myself when I learn new things, but I am learning to have patience with myself. Art has been an amazing help with his knowledge of the game, he really meets us where we are at and recognizes that a lot of us are at different places with our tennis game. Our assistant coaches have been so wonderful as well. They take out so much time for us and our long tournaments, they really care our well being as individuals. For example, while Tim Besch is a big advocate for making us run, he bakes us his famous Butterscotch Beschie cookies for us :)
The season has been a learning experience for most of us. With a new team, our focus is to continually take steps forward. Our goal is to be better than we were when we hit our first stroke on the courts. It is amazing to see the willingness each player has to get better. Out of our eight players, each one works really hard to move forward in their game. Our practices can be intense at times, but we all still have fun in the midst of it. My team is always helping me get perspective and laugh things off when I take myself too seriously. I am so thankful for them! One of my favorite parts about our team is our cheer. We incorporated Isaiah 40:31 which talks about God lifting us up on wings like eagles. Sometimes when I get down my doubles partner will remind me that He lifts me up!
Winning the first point for Judson was an experience. I played a close friend of mine from my old team at Elgin Community College, so at first there were mixed feelilngs. I knew no matter what it wouldn't hurt our friendship because Christ was in the center of it. Once the match was over I felt great because I never played the number one spot on any team and now I was able to play the number one spot and win against someone who continuously beat me in the past! It showed a lot of God's grace in allowing me to join the tennis team here and giving me great coaching through Art.
I am so excited to improve more each practice and hope to make Judson proud and bring glory to God through it all!
The season has been a learning experience for most of us. With a new team, our focus is to continually take steps forward. Our goal is to be better than we were when we hit our first stroke on the courts. It is amazing to see the willingness each player has to get better. Out of our eight players, each one works really hard to move forward in their game. Our practices can be intense at times, but we all still have fun in the midst of it. My team is always helping me get perspective and laugh things off when I take myself too seriously. I am so thankful for them! One of my favorite parts about our team is our cheer. We incorporated Isaiah 40:31 which talks about God lifting us up on wings like eagles. Sometimes when I get down my doubles partner will remind me that He lifts me up!
Winning the first point for Judson was an experience. I played a close friend of mine from my old team at Elgin Community College, so at first there were mixed feelilngs. I knew no matter what it wouldn't hurt our friendship because Christ was in the center of it. Once the match was over I felt great because I never played the number one spot on any team and now I was able to play the number one spot and win against someone who continuously beat me in the past! It showed a lot of God's grace in allowing me to join the tennis team here and giving me great coaching through Art.
I am so excited to improve more each practice and hope to make Judson proud and bring glory to God through it all!
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