Niwot freshman Georgia Jaffe shines in tennis victory against Legacy

Niwot High School’s Varsity tennis team played a match against Legacy High School on Thursday, March 27, winning by a score of 5-2.

Up and coming freshman Georgia Jaffe played in a doubles match with her partner, Hazel Awsumb, winning points for the team with a victory. “I was a bit nervous going into my first match because I didn’t know what to expect, but I was also excited,” said Jaffe, reflecting on the lead-up to the competition.

Despite some early nerves, she and Aswumb fought through a challenging match, with Jaffe focusing on her positioning to handle high lob balls. “I’ve learned from my tennis matches to have a short memory,” Jaffe said. “If you make a mistake and keep obsessing over it, you’ll stress out. It’s best to let it go and focus on the moment.” With her mindset and continued growth, Jaffe is a valuable new addition to the team.

Other athletes on the varsity team include sophomore Nina Richards and Amy Calderon, a doubles combo whose sweeping wins brought not only points but confidence to the team, according to Head Coach Aimee Hites.

Senior Marsha Oshyman battled hard in No. 3 singles matches, but came up short against her Legacy opponent. “The girl is very talented, and put up a good fight against a tough opponent,” Hites said. Despite the loss, Oshyman is a valuable athlete on the team, as well as a strong leader and role model for her teammates, according to Hites.

While wins are important to the team, fostering sportsmanship and community among the athletes has always been a priority and commitment of the coach, especially among the younger girls. “I think I enjoy the friends aspect of playing tennis and getting better,” Jaffe said. “Whether it’s at practice or in a match, I’m always happy to hang out with my friends.”

Continuing to build balance between competition and sportsmanship requires leadership from upperclassmen on the team and guidance from the coaches, all of which the Cougars have excelled at so far in this season. “This is one of the nicest groups of girls I’ve ever coached,” Hites said.

Top performer junior Saha Kolli played two singles matches, winning one and tying the other, alongside team captain Magnolia Valentine, who played one singles match, losing to a tough opponent. Anne Haley and Samantha Zacky were a senior doubles combo that dominated their match 2-0, and senior Hanna Nelson and junior Jordan Rutkowski tied their match at 1-1. Emory Rich and Eliana Spiridellis won their match 1-0. Together the team racked enough points for a sweeping overall win on varsity.

Hites is faced with a difficult season in a higher division than any other year. “I’m hoping to place at least top three in our conference tournament,” she said. “I am also looking for as many qualifications to state as we can get. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this season.”

Looking ahead, the Cougars are excited for a busy week, with their next matches Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 4, 5, and 6, against Fairview High School, Centaurus High School, and then Fairview once again, respectively.