It’s been a pleasure to coach Anna Runck and to see her development in the game. She’s shown commitment to her training schedule and works hard at each practice. We have helped her to develop an all-court game with technique improvements, specific drills, and match play strategy which is driving her performance to higher levels. I’m excited to share her story below.Â
Q&A With Anna:Â
We are proud that as a trainee in our program, you achieved the Varsity level of your High School team for the first time in your career. What factors in your training helped you to achieve this new level?
Thank you. Probably what helped me the most were drills focusing on specific things like my serve and my net game as well as practice matches.
What position did you play for your Varsity team? How was the experience and what did you learn from it?
I played third singles my freshman year. I learned how to play all different kinds of players. I also learned that I need to work on improving my mental and physical strength (my endurance, my agility, and my positive self talk while playing).
You have trained consistently over the winter season and recently won a USTA tournament, another first in your tennis career. What areas of your game have you improved which are helping you to achieve success in junior tournaments?
I am continuously working on improving my mental toughness, endurance, and agility. I’ve also started to work on what I eat before and after my matches. My serve and net game have improved.Â
In combination with improving, you are enjoying your tennis which is great to see. What tips, training methods or practices have helped you to develop a joy for the playing and competitive experience?
I’ve learned how to calm my nerves down before and during my matches, and I’ve also tried to focus on the good and not all the things I need to improve on.
What suggestions or advice would you have for other players looking to achieve the Varsity level of their school team?
My advice would be to start doing some off-court agility and endurance training because you will need it to keep up with the invitational, sectional, and state tournaments you play at the varsity level.
What do you enjoy most about tennis?
I love that you can play tennis at any age and that there’s not many people on the court with you at one time. It allows you to really focus on your game.
What are your goals for the upcoming outdoor season and school season in the fall?
My goals are to enjoy myself and other teammates while continuing to work on my endurance and agility.
What’s been your favorite memory or moment in tennis so far?
I really enjoyed the support of my teammates and being able to play and experience conference and sectional titles as well as participating in the state tournament. It was really fun to watch all the really great tennis players from the state come together for one tournament.
We wish Anna the very best and look forward to her training and improvement as she prepares for the upcoming Varsity tennis season in the fall.Â
Harsh Mankad
Founder and Head Coach at Tenicity Tennis Program
