MEQUON — On the first day of practice, Homestead girls tennis head coach Jackie Mueller-Egelhoff had quite the list. More than normal.
"We've done a lot of preparing ahead," Mueller-Egelhoff says. "And I have to congratulate too, the WIAA. I think they've done a great job in studying all the specific sports, in detail, and what their governing bodies are suggesting for guidelines. It's important for their mental well-being, they've been closed up since March. And physical activity, nothing better. And being with their teammates. And getting that experience of being on a team. So again, if it's lasting a week or more? We're just really grateful."
There is one more subtle, hidden change. Each girl writes her initials or name on all the tennis balls in a canister. She can serve with those. Her opponent has her own.
"It does look pretty much the same," Homestead senior captain Kate Wade says. "The only difference is you're using your own balls and then, you'll just try not to touch the other person's balls."
TMJ4 Main Sports Anchor Lance Allan says gotcha, so you literally have balls that have your name on them specifically?
"Yeah, yeah, your initials are written on them, and try not to switch them up," Wade says.
And for a senior? They want every possible chance, to try and play.
"I mean it's my senior year, so I want my senior season," Wade says. "And I want everyone else to get their season too. So I'm going to do whatever to try and make it happen, and make the best of it too."
