In sports, players can’t measure success by wins and accolades alone. That’s the way members of the Copper Hills girls tennis team see it. 

The Grizzlies have their ups and downs in the win-loss column, and they face stiff competition in Region 2. But regardless of what happens on the scoreboard, the players are making progress and having positive experiences that they believe will stay with them for years beyond high school. 

Seniors Gretta Clayton and Annie Elzinga, who both play doubles, have been two of the top performers for the Grizzlies this season. They have also emerged as leaders and mentors to the younger players on the team. Both have exhibited hard work and positive attitudes. 

“[Clayton] has been a great leader for the team,” head coach Lindsay Swenson said. “Also, [Elzinga] has been a great contributor to the team over the years and has the best record for our varsity players this season.”

Both Clayton and Elzinga are four-year players for Copper Hills, having been on the team since their freshman years. Clayton, a team captain, plays one of the doubles positions with teammate Zoe Hein. Clayton didn’t play tennis before joining the Grizzlies, but she quickly picked up the sport and has enjoyed it ever since. Not only does Clayton like competing and learning skills, but she has loved being able to get to know teammates and opponents and
develop friendships. 

“My sister Maggie got me into tennis my freshman year, and since then I have absolutely loved it,” Clayton said. “I enjoy getting outside, meeting new people and making friends. I love meeting new people because it’s something new and fun. Although during a match you don’t talk to each other a whole lot, but just being able to go against them is a super fun experience! At the end of the day, connection is what you get
out of it.”

Nothing has come easy for Clayton. She has spent a lot of time on the court practicing and honing her skills. She has had to overcome setbacks and disappointments, but she has prioritized tennis, though she plays other sports, too. 

“To be where I am on the team, it has taken practice, dedication, effort and learning from my mistakes,” Clayton said. “As a multi-sport athlete, tennis has always come first.”

Though high school sports can get competitive and intense, Clayton said Swenson emphasizes playing fairly and being a good sport. The Grizzlies have a good reputation around the region of being respectful and treating
everyone well. 

“Being on a team at Copper Hills means the world to me,” Clayton said. “I’m proud to say that we have the best sportsmanship in the region. This team is so understanding and fun to be around. We all support each other on and off the courts.”

Time is winding down in Clayton’s final year on the Copper Hills team. She has worked hard to go out playing her best and being prepared for every match. Because much of tennis is mental, Clayton has focused on that aspect of the game. She said improved mental strength has helped her both at tennis and at school. 

“As a senior this year, one thing I got out of this sport would be knowing how to fix my mindset,” she said. “Mindset plays into a lot of things, but most importantly, it has helped me with school and getting along with others. One thing I’m looking to improve on is being on my toes. Being on your toes keeps you ready for the next point, next game, next set and next match.”

Clayton is grateful that her senior season has been an enjoyable one. She is happy with the strong bond at Copper Hills and with the efforts everyone has made to improve and achieve the team’s goals. 

“This season has been one of the best seasons yet,” she said. “I love being a captain for this team and supporting the girls. I hope at the end of the season girls do what it takes to get
to state.” 

Clayton intends to join the Air National Guard after high school and then earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation. She hopes to play tennis at the next level, too. 

As for Elzinga, she echoes many of Clayton’s comments about being a part of the girls tennis team at Copper Hills. She likes playing alongside like-minded girls who share the same goals and passions for the sport. 

“The best part about being on the team is having others who love a sport just as much as you do around you every day,” she said. “I love seeing them in the halls at school and being able to find a familiar face.”

Elzinga also began playing as a freshman. She wanted to represent Copper Hills by being on a team, and tennis appealed to her. She believes playing for the Grizzlies has helped her improve not only as a tennis player but as
a person. 

“I love tennis because it is about self-growth and not necessarily team growth,” she said. “I have gained so much confidence in myself while I have played over the years.”

After high school, Elzinga wants to attend college and maybe serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elzinga doesn’t plan on leaving the game behind when she graduates from Copper Hills. 

“I have enjoyed playing tennis and hope I will be able to play it for a lifetime, maybe in some leagues or in college,” she said. 

But there’s still time this season for Elzinga and her teammates to leave their mark. 

She believes the team has gotten better throughout the season and is more prepared for postseason play than it was a year ago. 

“I feel like we have improved so much more this year than past years,” she said. “I hope we will be able to play well at the region tournament and go on to play at state. 

We have put in lots of hard work, offseason practice and lessons—just playing a lot.”

As a player, Elzinga prides herself in her abilities as a doubles player. She said she “plays really well at the net.” 

“A good volley instantly makes my day better,” she said. 

Copper Hills hopes to qualify Clayton, Elzinga and other team members for the Class 6A state tournament, which starts with first-round action Oct. 5 at Brighton High School. The later rounds, including the finals, will be Oct. 10 and 12 at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.  λ