Tennis at Liberty North is on the rise
LIBERTY, Mo. — As I prepare for my 29th and final year as a teacher, coach and advisor, I am experiencing something new and exciting. Tennis at Liberty North is on the RISE in a BIG way! Since 2018, Lady Eagle Tennis has had teams of 83 (2018), 81 (2019), 80 (2020), and 78 (2021) players. This growth has been chaotic, exciting, insane, logistically challenging, but incredibly rewarding and FUN!
Liberty North completed a new tennis court complex in 2017 and the school district has helped expand the coaching staff to accommodate for the growth. Without these two decisions, the growth opportunity for student-athletes would not have been possible. During the construction phase of the new complex, opponents of the build often cited that tennis numbers were declining, and the sport was losing popularity in the Northland. This is far from the truth as all over the KC area, team numbers are on the rise.
Athletics and competition are great classroom environments where lifelong learning happens. In any sport, players benefit socially, cognitively, and physically. Tennis is a lifetime sport that can be played and enjoyed by all ages. Our players learn the value of teamwork, leadership, selflessness, problem solving, hard work, and cooperation.
In a culture where the negative vocal minority is often heard more than the positive silent majority, I wanted to take this opportunity to share about our great players. These players are excellent students (2021 team GPA of 3.6), kind, helpful, supportive, fun, dedicated and hard working. Most players not only have a full-time academic schedule but also work a job while playing tennis. It is a privilege to work alongside these outstanding individuals every fall.
As my education career nears completion and a new journey begins, I would like to thank all my players (past, present, and future) for the memories and fun. Especially the 350+ players I worked with over the last 5 years of my career. Thank you, it has been an amazing experience and a blessing.
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