5/12/2010

While returning veterans Megan Phippen, Hannah Frantz, and Amanda Will have provided stability for the young team, the majority of play in the highest level contests has been delegated to returning sophomore standouts Hannah Webster and Hannah More and freshman Emma Limburg.  Rounding out the top four spots is junior Kerry Daigle, who, according to Coach Joslin, “Possesses the most focus of any athlete I have ever worked with in over 37 years of coaching.”  These four players have gone undefeated on the season, with Hannah Moore running her unbeaten streak nearly two full years.  Coach Joslin commented in his season preview that this may be a rebuilding year for the Hornets, with such a young group of athletes, however, both Coach Joslin and his assistant, daughter Laura Joslin-King, have been pleasantly surprised not just by the work ethic and determination of their team, but by the success they have seen.  Both Coach Joslin and Laura Joslin-King say, “This team is an absolute joy to work with as they are willing to do anything during practice in order to get better.”  It is this attitude that is a coach’s dream, as it permeates a team and is essential to building a winning program.

The true test for this group will come in its final match of the season as the team travels to the Lakes Region Championship on Saturday to face off against league foes and look to avenge their only league loss of the season, which occurred on the last Saturday of the regular season against Brewster Academy.  In the championships, Hannah More will compete at the #1 spot, while freshman sensation Emma Limburg will hold down the #2 slot.  On the doubles' side of the competition, Hannah Webster and Kerry Daigle will play #1, while the #2 team is still undecided.  Coach Joslin and Coach Joslin-King are both optimistic about the weekend and the challenges it will bring as they are confident in both the mental strength and physical skills their team has developed.  If Proctor’s fearless youngsters have anything to say about it, they will continue the tradition of excellence which has become Proctor Girls’ Varsity Tennis.