When she steps on the tennis court, she said her heart starts to beat faster and she begins to feel pumped. She can feel the excitement start to build as she walks out on the court to meet another opponent. For junior Alicia Villarreal, tennis makes her who she is.

Villarreal has been in tennis for four years and joined because she thought it would be interesting–a good, fun experience.

“Tennis is my sport because I just love it,” Villarreal said. “Tennis makes me happy, and I can play it until I’m 60.”

Villarreal gained experience through teammates.

“Some of the seniors I played with were my role models,” Villarrreal said. “They tried their hardest. They just put a lot of effort into the sport.”

Coach Rhonda Burns has helped get Villarreal where she is.

“Coach Burns taught me the sport,” Villarreal said. “Without her I wouldn’t be where I am in this sport.”

Burns said Villarreal is a good, consistent player.

“She works hard, and she tries everything I ask of her,” Burns said. “It’s sometimes frustrating because even though she does everything I ask, she doesn’t get it all done. I enjoy coaching her; she’s a real joy to be around.”

Villarreal competes in both singles and doubles but prefers doubles with her partner sophomore Aubrey Owen.

“I think it’s more exciting,” Villarreal said. “I think Aubrey is a good tennis player, and I enjoy being her partner.”

Villarreal and Owen have only been partners since the beginning of the season.

“We are on the same level, and we are working really well together,” Owen said. “[Villarreal] is very strong. She is always getting the ball back and backing me up.”

Villarreal said her strengths are serving and moving her feet.

“I usually get my serves pretty well,” Villarreal said. “I can usually get into the right position for the ball. It’s very important to move your feet. It determines how good your shots are going to be and whether or not you get it over the net and in.”

Villarreal puts a lot of effort into doing the right things in practice.

“It can be hard work,” Villarreal said. “It can give you confidence, or it can  lower your confidence.”

When Villarreal is discouraged, she tries to build her self up mentally.

“When I’m down, I tell myself ‘I can do this, I know I can do better than this, and I will do better than this’,”Villarreal said. “My goals are to do the best I can and put my heart into it.”

Villarreal said her best match came against an opponent from Trinity, which she won 8-0.

“I felt very accomplished, and I gave everybody a high five [after],” Villarreal said. “That’s what we do.”

Villarreal has a bond with teammates.

“We are really close,” Villarreal said. “I’d be so sad and disappointed if we couldn’t have a team and if I couldn’t play. I just love all my team and my coach. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to play with them.”

Her favorite part of the experience is knowing that no matter what she’s doing at least it’s fun.

“She always has a smile on her face no matter what,” Burns said. “Even if she’s lost, she is still having fun.”

Villarreal hopes she leaves her mark on the tennis court by setting a good example for others.

“[When leaving the court] sometimes I regret not doing the things I should have done,” Villarreal said. “Other times I’m very proud of myself because I know I played well.”