This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Koplas Conquered the Court in First Year as a Solo Artist

Victoria Koplas saw a change of scenery during her final season as a member of the Westbrook girls’ tennis team. It was a move that forced Victoria to go through some early growing pains, but she quickly turned things around, and put together a fantastic finish to her high-school career.

Victoria started off by playing No. 2 doubles for Westbrook in her freshman year. She moved up to the top spot in the doubles lineup during her sophomore season, before playing No. 2 doubles again as a junior last year.

This spring, Victoria made the leap to the solo circuit by playing No. 3 singles and it turned out to be a beneficial move for everyone involved. The senior captain posted a record of 19-1 for the regular season, after which she claimed the championship in the No. 3-4 singles bracket at the Shoreline Conference Tournament.

Victoria went on to win a pair of matches when Westbrook played in the Class S State Tournament to finish with an overall record of 26-1. Along the way, she helped the Knights go 18-4, defend their conference title, and reach the state quarterfinals.

“When I lost my first match this year, I was devastated and didn’t know if I could help the team. But I was very excited to win Shorelines and proud of myself in working so hard,” says Victoria, who earned All-Shoreline Conference First Team honors with her victory. “There were days I wanted to give up, but I pulled it together. My family was a huge support system, and they were a huge part of me getting through the season.”

After having previously played doubles, Victoria’s wits were put to the test when she stepped on the singles court. Victoria discovered that going solo can be quite a grind, and so she had to adjust accordingly.

“Singles is all mental, and I quickly realized that after my first loss. You have to be able to bounce right back, and that’s something that doesn’t come quickly,” Victoria says. “It’s a ton of running, because you’re covering the whole court. You have to run corner to corner and front to back. You need to be a great athlete, but the mental component is also huge. You also can’t show emotional expressions to your opponent and have to control yourself.”

In terms of playing doubles, Victoria says that having a companion on the court takes some of the pressure off. However, it also requires effective communication and a great deal of instruction between each player.

“In doubles, it can be very hard to find someone you work well with, and it involves a lot of teamwork. Sometimes, critiquing is needed, as well,” says Victoria. “Tennis is a big mental game, so when you have a partner, it’s less pressure on you. You have the support of someone, and you are also running less on the court.”

Victoria was also relied upon to communicate with her teammates as a captain this spring. Victoria relished holding a leadership role and says her fellow Knights made life easy on her by constantly giving a top-notch effort.

“I loved being captain. This was a great group of girls. They worked so hard, and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Victoria says. “As a captain, you take on responsibilities, and the girls look up to you, so you have to set examples and be aware of them yourself. I also had to often relay messages about team-related things in group texts. I really enjoyed the position.”

Head Coach Paula Fitzgerald describes Victoria as a selfless leader for her team. She adds that Victoria did a great job of working with Westbrook’s underclass athletes, while helping the Knights stay atop the Shoreline Conference.

“Victoria has always put team above herself. She carries on the traditions set by previous teams, [such as] high expectations and hard work, but also knowing how to still have fun in the process,” says Fitzgerald. “She has acted as a surrogate coach, teaching younger players how to be successful.”

Victoria says that playing tennis at Westbrook proved a coming-of-age experience for her. She not only became a better player, but also developed into an assertive leader who formed everlasting bonds with her teammates and coaches.

“This program is incredible and has changed me. I came in as a shy girl and broke out of my shell over time,” Victoria says. “As a student and an athlete, I gained so much experience and knowledge. I learned how to be a leader, more outgoing, and how to help the team out. I was willing to lay my life down for this team. I loved it.”