While most high school tennis players would look at three-set marathon matches as grueling endeavors, Melania Korenovsky positions them as opportunities to truly show her stuff and showcase her mental and physical endurance.

The East Haven junior did not venture into athletics until trying her hand at track and cross country in 7th grade before joining the girls’ tennis team in high school. After playing No. 1 and 2 doubles her first two campaigns, this past spring Melania was put into the No. 4 singles slot and the Yellowjackets returned to the Class L State Tournament for the first time in a dozen years with a 9-11 regular-season record following missing states by just one victory a year prior. For her efforts on and off the court, Melania has been selected as a team captain for the upcoming 2024 campaign.

“One thing that helped me was practicing outside of the season and doing private lessons with a friend of my family, which helped me stay in shape,” says Melania, who still participates in cross country for the Yellowjackets. “Cross country has also helped me with staying in shape and running helps me with tennis, especially with playing singles and chasing the ball. It is nice to have a partner with doubles, so it isn’t all on you, and there is more strategy with doubles. I like it being all on me with singles, because you cannot be upset at anyone else. Also with singles, I can use and show my strengths.”

East Haven girls’ tennis Head Coach Anthony Perrotti notes he certainly made the right decision in naming Melania as one of the future stewards of the program, thanks in large part to her fire on the court and her studiousness within the baseline and on the books.

“Melania plays with passion every time she steps on the court,” says Perrotti. “She takes great pride in being a member of our team and always wants to help her team by getting a win. She always plays with heart and never gives up. Her best win this year came against Foran when she came back to win in three sets after losing the first set 1-6. She rode the momentum gained after that match to win five straight singles matches. She has done a tremendous job with representing our team on and off the court. She is an excellent student academically and a natural born leader. Melania will be an amazing captain for us in 2024, as we are confident she will always lead us with love and kindness.”

In recalling what proved to be the pivotal matchup with Foran, Melania reflects on a crucial conversation with her coach, and then after attaining the comeback triumph, she was off to the races–knowing she had found where she belongs in the lineup.

“I lost that first set badly, but I talked to Coach Perrotti and he gave me a pep talk, and then I won the next two. If a match needs to go three sets, I will play to the end, and I feel more accomplished after those long matches,” says Melania. “I just take a deep breath, and I feel like a stronger person with everyone cheering me on. I felt I finally found my place on the court after that match. Playing at No. 4 singles was really good for me. It was exactly where I was meant to be this year, which is also why I think I was able to go on that win streak.”

While forcing some phenomenal forehand fires across the court this spring, Melania adds that while she can feel the heat of the moment in competition, she takes the edge off by enjoying the relaxed nature of the game.

“I am proud of my forehand. I am still a little unsure of it, and I know I can still rely on my backhand, but I have improved a great amount on my forehand,” Melania says. “I have also gotten better at getting to the ball. I can be an anxious person, especially with school and my studies, but tennis is just so relaxing to me even though I can feel the pressure at moments.”

No matter the level of anxiety, Melania feels quite strongly about the Yellowjackets’ chances to build upon the progress achieved by the club this spring. She knows that if East Haven keeps up the skill sets strengthened on the court, along with the camaraderie aside from it, then the Yellowjackets will be an emerging force in the SCC.

“This year’s team was one of the stronger ones I have been on; we had a lot of experienced players,” says Melania. “The last couple of seasons were rebuilding years, but we were a power team this year. We also had a lot of good team bonding, and I think those emotional connections helped get us to states. The support of the rest of a team is crucial towards being successful.”