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06/03/2021 12:00 AMWhen Claire Langille reflects on the sport of tennis, she looks back fondly on her youth and what caused her to have such a deep love for the sport. Some of that passion stems from Claire’s ability to compete as a single player, but at the same time, she also loves being part of a team.
Claire is currently in her junior year at Daniel Hand High School, where she’s a member of girls’ tennis squad. Claire plays No. 2 singles for the Tigers and has compiled an overall record of 15-4 thus far this season.
“I have been playing tennis for as long as I can remember. It has always been something I’ve loved to do. I played many sports when I was younger, and tennis was the sport that I seemed to gravitate to the most,” Claire says. “I love the strategy that is involved in playing tennis, especially anticipating another player’s shots. I also love the aspect of being part of a team at my high school.”
Claire helped Hand notch 14 victories during the regular season and then advance to the SCC Division I final with her performance at the No. 2 singles position. Claire regularly worked on her tennis game during the offseason and has continued with her stringent routine throughout the 2021 campaign.
“I improve my game by training almost every day at either high school practice or Inspire Tennis Academy in Rocky Hill,” says Claire. “I also play USTA tournaments on weekends and work with a trainer to build strength.”
Hand Head Coach Kitty Palmer says that Claire has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent players ever since she joined the program as a freshman. Palmer is happy to see Claire flourishing as the team’s No. 2 singles player this year.
“Claire has been a steady rock that has played smart tennis all season,” says Palmer. “Claire has used her steady ground strokes and sharp net play to gain huge advantages over her opponent. She has been a leader and a great supporter of all her teammates.”
Claire has formed a strong relationship with Coach Palmer over the years. Claire knows that she can always count on Palmer to give her sound advice whenever she needs it.
“Coach Palmer has been a coach of mine for several years,” Claire says. “She has always pushed me to be the best that I can, both on and off the court.”
One memory that Claire will always treasure was when Hand won the SCC Tournament in her freshman season. The Tigers also claimed the Class L state crown on their way to a record of 24-0 that year. Claire played No. 1 doubles with then-junior Anna Lang, and the duo wound up advancing all the way to the championship match of the State Open.
“My favorite moment as a tennis player was winning SCC’s my freshman year,” says Claire. “We played a tough team and, through lots of teamwork and determination, we were able to win the tournament.”
Aside from tennis, Claire also has a passion for skiing. Claire also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, and is hoping to travel to new destinations in the future.
“My focus is mainly on tennis, but I also love to ski in the winter,” Claire says. “I have been skiing since I could walk, and it has always been something important to me.”
Claire is hoping to play tennis in college after she graduates from Hand next year. She is interested in pursuing a career in engineering. In the meantime, Claire wants to help the Tigers close out their season on a positive note as the team competes in states this week.
“I expect our team to finish the year out strong and to play my best this season,” Claire says. “I will be visiting schools next month and hope to attend a college in the Northeast. I hope to play at either a Division III or Division I Patriot League college that suits both my academics and athletics.”