Printer Friendly Version - Roth Reigns on the Court as a Solid No. 2 Singles Player

Junior Faren Roth has recorded a strong mark of 23-3 this spring as a member of the Guilford girls’ tennis team, which advanced to the Class M State Tournament final for the second time in three seasons. Faren thanks Head Coach Chris Marra, her entire team, her family, and former Guilford girls’ tennis Head Coach Frank Kelley for their support throughout the years. Photo courtesy of Faren Roth

Faren Roth is well-versed in the vast amount of responsibility that comes with playing singles on the tennis court. However, Faren embraces that responsibility and has put together an impressive record by scratching and clawing for every last point.

Faren, a junior who plays the No. 2 singles position for the Indians, grew up playing tennis in Norwalk before moving to Guilford. After joining the high school program, Faren was part of a team that reached the Class M final in her freshman year and then made the semifinals last spring. This season, Faren has achieved an excellent record of 23-3, while helping Guilford get back to the Class M State Tournament championship match.

“I love the team here, and I love how it’s really an individual sport. It’s a tough mental game, and you are the only person you can rely on to get out of tough spots, and it’s the hardest sport to play because of that,” says Faren, who is also a member of the Guilford fencing program. “For me, what makes me a tough player is that I’ll never give up on my shots. I keep putting up a fight and trying to frustrate opponents. I try to get back as many shots as I can and keep running back and forth.”

Faren was Guilford’s No. 3 singles player when she competed on center court in the Class M state final two years ago. While many freshmen might shy away from the big stage, Faren faced it head on with confidence, and her confidence has only grown in the two subsequent seasons.

“My freshman year, we went to the state finals against Lauralton Hall, and I was playing No. 3 singles. It was a fun position to play in because I felt confident going in. I beat their No. 3 player earlier in the year, so it gave me confidence, which has helped me now as a No. 2 player,” Faren says. “When I have the big matches, my team and my coach help me realize that I just have to put my best effort forward, and they’ll be proud of me and support me. It helps me feel at ease.”

Head Coach Chris Marra says that Faren displays tremendous tenacity when it comes to outworking her adversaries, but balances it by showing super spirit to both her teammates and opponents.

“Faren is one of the best competitors I’ve ever coached. She simply wears down her opponents with sheer effort and determination. All of us on the team see her as an inspiration. She works so hard for every point and has such a great attitude,” says Marra. “Faren is a tremendous athlete and great player. Her on-court and off-court demeanor make her both a great teammate and a respected opponent.”

Faren explains that tennis is a sport that’s often played between the ears, saying, “The mental game is extremely important. You have to believe in your ability to win the match.” Faren adds that she’s done a better job of delivering quality service during her three seasons with the Indians and has also become a more active player who’s always going for the close-out point, rather than letting it come to her.

“My serves have definitely improved. My freshman year, my serve almost hurt my game. This year, I worked on a stronger serve because, when I go into point service, I’m confident to win the point,” Faren says. “Coach Marra has also helped to make me more aggressive, and it’s made my matches shorter.”