The sound of tennis balls bouncing across the court signals a new chapter for the girls tennis team. With a new coach leading the way, the players are looking forward to improving their skills, strengthening their teamwork and making the most of their upcoming season. The team’s new coach brings more than just coaching to the court; he also teaches business classes, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, preparation and success.
Harris Goldman balances two roles, teacher and coach, which share more similarities than one might expect. In his classroom, students learn about communication, decision making and responsibility. Those same skills can help players handle pressure, work together and stay focused on a match on the court.
Goldman said, “It’s been a great season and experience so far. I coach with Brook Stites, so her and I work really closely to try and create one team. It’s been really great.”
Taking over a team definitely comes with its own set of challenges. Every player has different strengths, goals and levels of experience, making it important for a coach to understand and accommodate what each player needs to succeed. Whether players are improving their footwork, working on serves or learning to stay composed on the court, the goal is to help the team grow throughout the entirety of the season.
“Everyone supports each other, and it has been a lot of fun,” Goldman says. “One of the most exciting parts was our first singles. Senior Lauren Roszak won the Union County Tournament. That was really exciting for the whole team.”
For the players, a new coach also means an opportunity to learn a different approach to the game. New drills, expectations and strategies can push athletes out of their comfort zones while helping them discover what they are capable of achieving.
“I would say that Mr.Goldman is a very positive coach,” senior Sofia Gensler-Canale says. “He always gives us feedback and speeches after a tough match, and it’s nice to have that support and know that he is not disappointed in us.”
Beyond the wins and losses, a successful season is also measured by the relationships players build with each other and the progress they make together. Tennis could be an individual sport during singles matches, but a high school team depends on everyone contributing, supporting teammates and representing their school with pride.
“He is also amazing because he listens to our concerns. Obviously he can’t make everyone happy all the time but he really does take the time to listen to us which we all appreciate. He has been a really great coach so far, I am very happy that he joined our program,” Gensler-Canale said.
As the season progresses, the girls tennis team will have the chance to establish its identity over new leadership. With a coach that understands the importance of both learning and preparation, the team has an opportunity to grow not only as athletes but also as teammates.
“If you try your best, if you win or lose the match and if you let it all out on the court, that’s what really matters and counts for me,” Goldman says.
A new coach can bring new energy, new challenges and new opportunities. For the Blue Devils, this season is about more than what happens when the first serve crosses the net. It is about building confidence, learning from every experience and discovering what the team can accomplish together, one point at a time.
