be doing a drill with their forehand, she would have to do it with her backhand. Although this was not ideal while learning, being left handed turned into a great advantage because most people are right handed and are not used to playing someone with different spins on the ball.

     “All the coaches that I have ever had and players have said it is harder to hit against me because the spin is different,” Yount said.

     Yount found her love for tennis through her biggest inspiration and supporter, her father. He played tennis throughout high school and inspired her to start playing. 

     Although Yount has learned more about teamwork and cooperation through doubles, she has always favored playing singles. 

     “Unless you are doing doubles, it’s an individual sport so you don’t really have to rely on anyone else or you can’t let anyone else down because you are the only one playing,” Yount said.

Yount has played many matches at Rose, but one really stuck out and is a match she will never forget. Her most memorable match was against New Bern, where she put in the effort to do the right footwork and it showed in her performance.

     “[Coach] Marv told me I played well for the first time in three years,” Yount said. “That was memorable because he has never given me a compliment.”

     Yount was proud of herself for actually trying to do all the correct steps, and was very surprised that Coach Marv complimented her on her hard work.

     Tennis has taught Yount personal lessons outside of just how to play the sport.

     “Before Rose tennis, I had never played tennis on a team,” Yount said. “It has taught me teamwork skills.”

      The team has taught Yount a lot, especially how to work with other people in doubles. Showing  her how to cooperate with someone while playing tennis.

     Yount hates losing, but the advice she gives to tennis players when they are losing is to stay focused. It is not hard to come back when you are just a few points away from your opponent. 

     “When I’m playing someone that’s better, I’m usually pretty focused on the match,” Yount said.

      Yount feels that when she is losing to someone the best way to come back is to keep a positive mindset. Thinking that you can get the next point is much more effective rather than just trying to get the game over with. Practice does not make perfect but it will help you improve at what you are practicing for.

      “Being number one does not mean anything,” Yount said. “There’s always something that you can improve on in practice.”