Positivity lifts freshman to the top of NHS doubles

They started by stirring things up in their physical education class at Niwot High School last fall. Freshmen Samantha Zacky and Anne Haley became partners in pickleball and every other sport they played in PE. They felt like they had a good connection and were successful as a team. But it was one particular badminton game that convinced them they had something special.

"We defeated the teacher in badminton," Zacky said.

"That's when we knew we were good together," Haley added.

Neither girl had played competitive tennis before, but they had both played for fun for several years. They decided to try out for the NHS team and see how their experience in PE might carry over to an official high school sport.

"Me and Sam, we are just really competitive. So we just stepped on the court and knew what we wanted," said Haley. "Being where we are is just really cool."

The duo landed in the #1 doubles spot on the varsity squad, unusual for freshmen, said Assistant Coach Keith Wilcox. "They are freshmen, so they obviously have a lot to learn, but when they make a mistake, they're always high fiving each other, they're always happy about it, they're always learning something. They are so positive all the time. Those are the people that coaches love coaching, so I'm really happy to have them," he said.

The girls credit good chemistry on and off the court. "Anne is just such a nice person and so positive to be around. It's hard not to be amazing partners with an amazing person by your side." Zacky said.

"I would say the same thing," Haley said. "Sam is just so positive on the court. She just lifts me up even when I make mistakes. Having someone to lift me up really helps me with my mental game. She's also incredible at tennis, so having her physical abilities is awesome."

Zacky and Haley have won all of their 4A matches this year except notoriously tough Kent Denver. They've leaned on their strong connection to help them compete.

"Sometimes teams get a little annoyed with us about how much we talk on the court, but it's how we play our best game," Haley said. "I think our communication is one of our best assets in how we're successful."

The partners have learned a lot from the upperclassmen on the team. "Not only the way they compete physically, they're amazing tennis players, but they're just so mentally tough. It's something me and Sam look up to as freshmen," Haley said.

Senior Anna Sallee enjoys her role in helping the girls get comfortable playing competitive high school tennis. She encourages them to fight until the end and not be intimidated. "They're a strong freshman team. They're very athletic. I'm excited to take them to state this year," she said. "We have some new, really talented players this year."

There are several other freshmen who are also playing varsity doubles this year. Wilcox says that's impressive because being a freshman in school and on the court has its challenges. "Usually it starts with emotional problems," he said. "But this group of freshmen is not like that at all. They seem very mature. This freshman class seems different than other freshman classes."

Haley and Zacky say the biggest challenge for them this year has been learning to play in the wind. But they're glad for the chance to improve in every aspect of the game and have fun doing it.

"Everyone is just so incredible. I feel so lucky to be part of this team and I can't wait to keep going," Zacky said.