Okay, so a while back, I got this itch to try something new, you know, get out of my comfort zone a bit. I’ve always been into sports, but never really got serious about any particular one. Then, I thought, why not give tennis a shot? And not just any tennis – I decided to check out what was happening with tennis at The College of New Jersey, TCNJ. They call them the Lions, pretty cool, right?
First thing I did was browse around to find some info about their tennis program. I saw they have both men’s and women’s teams, and they’ve got some pretty good history. 39 All-American players, 35 NCAA appearances, and a bunch of NJAC Players and Rookies of the Year. That sounded impressive, made me even more curious. Then I started looking for how to get in on the action. I mean, I’m no spring chicken, but I figured it’s never too late to learn something new, right?
I found out they have coaches for different levels, even folks who’ve been playing for like 10 years, and some who compete in ATP tournaments. I thought, “Man, these guys are serious!” I also noticed there’s a bunch of retired female tennis players since 2022, I figured maybe they’re coaching now. Also found out some interesting rules. I mean, I always thought coaches could talk to their players during breaks, turns out, it is not that simple. There are gestures and brief verbal stuff, but that is it, no big conversations.
Anyways, I got in touch with the athletics department. I filled out some forms, you know, the usual stuff. I gotta say, the people there were super helpful, very welcoming. They pointed me to the right coach, and we set up a time to meet at the courts.
The day I went, I was a little nervous, I admit. It felt like the first day of school. But the coach was really chill, made me feel at ease right away. We talked about my experience, which was basically zero, and what I wanted to get out of this. He gave me some pointers on the basics, like how to hold the racket, how to stand, you know, the fundamentals. I felt like a total newbie, but hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?
First time holding that racket, I felt so clumsy! Swinging and missing, hitting the ball way out of bounds. It was a mess, but a fun mess. The coach was patient, kept encouraging me, saying it takes time to get the hang of it. And you know what? He was right. After a few sessions, I started to feel a bit more comfortable. I could actually hit the ball over the net, most of the time, anyway.
- First few times were rough.
- Felt like a total beginner.
- But the coach was patient.
- Started to get the hang of it.
- Even got some rallies going!
It’s been a few months now, and I’m still at it. I wouldn’t say I’m ready for Wimbledon or anything, but I’m definitely having fun. It’s a great workout, and it’s cool to see myself improving, even if it’s just a little bit each time. Plus, I’ve met some cool people at the courts, other folks who are just there to enjoy the game.
I even got to watch a couple of the TCNJ team’s matches. Man, those guys and girls are good! It’s inspiring to see them play, makes me want to keep practicing and getting better. It’s like, if they can do it, maybe I can too, right?
So, that’s my TCNJ tennis story so far. It’s not some big, dramatic tale, just a regular guy trying something new and having a good time with it. If you’re thinking about picking up a racket, I say go for it! It’s a blast, and who knows, maybe you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do.
It’s been quite the journey, and honestly, it’s just getting started. This whole tennis thing at TCNJ, it’s more than just a sport. It’s like a little community, a place where you can challenge yourself, meet new people, and just have a good time. And for me, that’s what it’s all about.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t be afraid to try new things.
- It’s okay to be a beginner.
- Find a supportive environment.
- Celebrate small victories.
- Most importantly, have fun!
Who knows what’s next? Maybe I’ll join a local league, or maybe I’ll just keep hitting balls at TCNJ. Either way, I’m glad I took that first step. It’s been a great ride, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. One thing is for sure, I am not hanging up my racket any time soon.
