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04/20/2017 12:00 AMCallie Riggio comes from a family that has a vast tennis background. Callie’s mother Sally played at Valley Regional High School, her older sisters Lexie and Taylor competed for the Warriors, and her father TJ is the president of the Essex Platform Tennis Club. On top of that, Callie’s younger brother Jeff is the No. 1 singles player on the Valley boys’ tennis squad. Throughout the past few years, Callie has continued her family’s tradition by playing for the girls’ tennis team at Valley Regional. Now a senior captain for the Warriors, Callie is holding down the club’s No. 1 singles position after primarily playing the No. 3 spot last year.
Considering her tennis lineage, it might seem obvious that Callie would end up playing for the Warriors, but she isn’t just a part of the family business. Callie is a true believer when it comes to the sport.
“Tennis is such a fun game, I had to join the Valley team. It’s for the love of the game because it’s so much fun,” says Callie. “Basically, when I’m not doing anything else and it’s nice out, I’m playing tennis.”
All that time on the court has certainly paid dividends for both Callie and her team, which had the best record in the Shoreline Conference and reached the Class S State Tournament semifinals last spring. Callie posted an overall mark of 17-3 between the No. 2 and 3 singles positions and earned All-Shoreline Conference Second Team accolades for the Warriors, who went 21-2. As a sophomore in 2015, Callie went 15-3 playing No. 4 singles, made it to the final of the 3-4 singles bracket in the Shoreline Conference Tournament, and was an All-Conference First Team honoree.
Callie feels proud about all the success that she and her team have seen and is also grateful that she got the opportunity to move up to No. 1 singles this season.
“It was a big transition from No. 3 to No. 1 because there’s more experienced players at No. 1,” says Callie, an Essex resident. “But it’s a good challenge, and it builds up my level as a competitor. It’s been a cool experience.”
Callie is hoping the Warriors can repeat last year’s achievements in the current campaign. Callie also hopes to get back to the Shoreline Conference Tournament final, but bring home the gold this time. First-year Head Coach Kate Cotton is confident that the senior southpaw has both the talent and demeanor to do just that.
“She brings a calm, but eager-to-win attitude, with a warmth of personality. She’s just a very nice, calm individual,” Coach Cotton says. “When she plays, she’s playing really hard, but it doesn’t look that way. She’s more a strategic player. She’s thinking strategy, placement, and how she can win, and she makes it seem effortless.”
Callie makes a concerted effort to bring a serene demeanor to the court. She feels it’s important to play with a clear head, while staying on an even keel.
“Usually, I’ll just try to stay calm because, if I get nervous, I’ll make some unforced errors,” says Callie about her pre-match routine. “I go into it knowing if I try my best and I lose, it’s a good loss, and, if I win, it will be great. I try to keep my mental game strong, so that I don’t lose myself or my focus and stay in the match.”
Callie’s mental strength stems from her comfort on the court—something she’s developed from years of playing both with and against her family. Between her siblings and her parents, Callie can always find someone to volley with, and a Riggio vs. Riggio doubles match is a regular occurrence in her household. Callie’s family members typically exchange tips with one other, and Callie uses that same constructive approach in her capacity as a Warriors’ captain.
“As a captain this year, I’m trying to help my teammates get better at practices,” says Callie. “I like having a leadership role with the team on and off the court.”
Coach Cotton appreciates all the help that Callie offers at practice. Cotton says Callie works hard trying to identify and then correct her own weaknesses. That, in turn, helps Callie when it comes to lending insight to her fellow Warriors. As the only coach of a team that features 29 athletes, Cotton feels Callie plays a vital role as both an athlete and a leader on the squad.
“Callie’s not someone who’s a loud type of person. She has a subtle strength that I haven’t seen from other athletes,” says Cotton. “She is very engaging and helpful to other teammates. She’s just a strong leader in that way. Maybe it’s because she’s got a strong background in tennis, but she’s just a gentle soul that has a lot to be happy about.”
Callie enjoys being around her teammates and sharing her love of tennis with them. Callie says there’s a great attitude among the Warriors’ athletes, and she feels that can play a big part in helping them achieve their goals this season.
“My teammates are so nice. My team as a whole is like one big family, and everyone’s tennis is so good,” says Callie. “My coach is doing such a good job in her first year, and she’s shaping up our team to be the best it can be. I think the team is in great shape.”