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06/04/2024 11:33 AMFriendship has forged the fire that has ignited Alyssa Cherian’s passion for tennis. Still, it has been a steady flame with her being a cool, calm, and composed competitor on the court that has cornered herself great success.
The North Haven senior grew up playing basketball her entire life before COVID during her freshman year, when she decided to forge a path down a new athletic avenue and different type of court. After joining a tennis clinic at the North Haven Health and Racquet Club, Alyssa met girls’ tennis Head Coach Rob Migliorini and the rest was history. While also making a couple guest appearances in doubles, Alyssa went 14-4 at No. 4 singles this spring for the Nighthawks.
“I just loved tennis because my friends did it, and I saw it as a fun way to spend extra time with them,” says Alyssa. “I feel a big part of my success has come from just staying calm during matches and not putting too much pressure on myself. I think I won a lot of my matches this year because I stayed composed and did not get too much in my own head, which a lot of players can do, and that helped me a lot.”
While she loves the security and encouragement of a court companion in duo action, Alyssa likes the solo spotlight. She explains that singles certainly tests your mettle mentally, but the personal responsibility is an added fun challenge.
“Doubles is more fun because you have a partner out there with you and someone to talk to,” Alyssa says. “In singles, it is just you on the court, which is nice, and you do not have to worry about others. If you mess up, it is all on you. It is definitely more of a mental game playing singles. You have to keep yourself positive and engaged. You also cannot get down on yourself, and you have to keep your head in the game, even if you are down in a set.”
Alyssa gives herself a private pep talk following each point during matchups. It is just another tool she has utilized to continue her persistent growth in swagger through the years.
“I like to hype myself up after each point by telling myself that I got this,” says Alyssa. “I was not very confident in my abilities as a freshman because I had not been playing tennis that long at the time. Now, I have the feeling more within myself that I know I can do better and win.”
Stamina has certainly been a great asset for Alyssa while she is battling during marathon matches. She explains that it allows her to play a war of attrition with her adversaries, as she patiently waits for them to create the crucial error.
“I feel I definitely have a good endurance; I can keep a point going for awhile,” Alyssa says. “I can keep the ball in play consistently and for a long time and let the opponent make a mistake. I need to work on my form more and hitting hard shots, which I know I can do with some practice.”
Several newcomers across all various classes and backgrounds came aboard the club this campaign for the Nighthawks. Alyssa took a great attitude towards the fresh faces by giving them the right mental boost to stick with the sport and make big gains in a short span.
“It is super fun getting to know the freshmen and new players on the team this year,” Alyssa says. “It is great to give them advice and then to see them succeed in matches and win. It is such a fun sport to play, and it is also nice knowing your teammates have your back.”
Over her four-year tenure, the cohesion has grown a great deal within the Nighthawks’ family. While not only creating that familial feel, the girls realized that their similarities and source of bonds go well beyond baselines and volleys.
“I think comparing the team from my freshman year to now, we became a lot closer as a group this year,” says Alyssa. “Everyone is just much closer this year, and we also hang out away from tennis and talk to each other about anything and everything. Tennis is the only sport I have played where I have felt so close with a group of friends that were my teammates,” says Alyssa. “We are together all the time and just so close. I feel connected to them, and we all play and get together in a super friendly environment on this team.”
Migliorini explains that through all of her actions, Alyssa assumes herself as the ultimate competitor and teammate--willing to do whatever it takes for the greater good and goals.
“Alyssa displays great leadership, even though she is not a co-captain, great flexibility as both a strong singles and doubles player,” says Migliorini. “She also shows great teamwork through being willing to play in the lineup where she is needed and is a role model for all of the underclassmen. She is a true pleasure to coach.”
The life of a student-athlete quite often produces a rigorous one and demanding schedule, and such is the case for Alyssa. Yet it has all worked out for her betterment by making her a more detailed and disciplined individual for her bright future.
“Tennis has taught me a lot about prioritizing things because it takes a lot out of your day, and then you also have schoolwork,” Alyssa says. “I have also learned how to stay organized and be on top of my other responsibilities, like my homework. It has also helped me build up a really good structure in my life.”