For many Mercy students, 5 a.m. means that they still have two more hours to sleep. But for sophomore Caroline Peterson, this is when she must get ready for varsity tennis practice.
Peterson began playing tennis eight years ago. After watching her sister at tennis lessons, she decided to try it too.
This is Peterson’s first year on Mercy’s varsity tennis team. So far this season,she has played fourth, third, and first doubles.
Practices are at least three times a week starting at 6 a.m., and there are sometimes matches after school.The team plays tournaments on Saturdays that usually last about eight hours. Matches only consist of two teams competing against each other, while tournaments consist of three or four teams.
Although tournaments last a very long time, Peterson does not mind giving up her Saturdays.
“It gives me a lot of time to hang out with the teams, and it’s just a good way to spend the day,” she said.
Peterson admits that getting used to the schedule, especially the early morning practices, was difficult. But the sleep deprivation and hard work is worth it.
“My favorite part about tennis is that sense of pride and satisfaction when you blast a shot by an opponent,” she said.