She might not have a ton of experience, but West Jordan High School senior Emma Lewis emerged as one of the top players on the girls tennis team and in Region 4. 

Lewis’ efforts were a big reason why the Jaguars finished as runners-up at the Region 4 tournament in late September. Lewis, playing third singles, took first in that group, defeating every opponent in her path at the tournament. Lewis said it’s her best accomplishment of the season, but she also celebrated her teammates’ success. 

“It was the best feeling winning, knowing all of the work and practice that was behind it,” she said. “West Jordan got second overall in region, which is also huge. I’m super proud of all of my teammates; they’ve all fought so hard.”

While many high school tennis players have been playing the sport since they were in grade school, Lewis didn’t pick up a racket and play competitively until she got to West Jordan High School. Initially, she was just looking for something social, but her passion for the game grew. 

“I started playing tennis my sophomore year because me and my friends all wanted to do something together in high school,” she said. “I wasn’t planning to take it too seriously, but that changed quickly. I fell in love with the game and worked to get better. I love playing tennis because it’s not something that you can fake till you make it; every point matters, which makes the wins that much more satisfying. There’s not a better feeling than rallying with your opponent but getting that final point.”

Lewis has loved her three years on the team, especially the girls she has played with. The Jaguars are a tight-knit group of players who cheer one another on. Lewis has enjoyed that aspect of play and said it has fueled much of her success. 

“I love my team so much,” she said. “There hasn’t been a game where I haven’t been cheered on by my teammates, and it has kept me going through the long, hot matches. We’re all there to have fun and support each other.”

Lewis has been an excellent teammate, as she, too, has rooted for the other girls on the squad. Her skills on the court have made her the top third singles player in Region 4. 

“Something that I’ve relied on this season is consistency,” she said. “I might not have the most perfect positioned shots offensively, but I can always count on defense and returning the ball. My matches were full of very long rallies, which made it really fun but tiring.”

The girls tennis season is considered a fall-season sport; however, a good chunk of it takes place in the summer. Playing in the hot sun has not been easy for Lewis. She admits that playing in extreme heat is a big challenge and that her body has difficulty adapting. 

“There has been multiple times where I didn’t think I could make it through my match, but I kept going and fought through it,” she said. 

Though she isn’t planning on playing tennis in college, she hopes to continue to play recreationally and with family and friends as time allows. Unlike contact sports, she believes that tennis is a sport that people can enjoy well into adulthood. 

“I love that tennis is a game that can be played for many years even when you get older,” she said. 

In her three years at West Jordan, Lewis has improved her play and developed skills and abilities. But without the help of those around her, she isn’t sure she could have accomplished everything she has as a Jaguar. 

“I wouldn’t have pushed myself as hard as I did if I didn’t have the support from my family, coaches and teammates,” she said. “They really kept me going through the three-hour matches.” λ