By Brianna Arnold and Bianca Hanania – Staff Reporters

Senior tennis captain Emma Shea had a perfect spring season.

Shea finished the year 23-0 as Law’s 4^th singles player, shattering the school record for wins in a season. She also broke Lianne Maynard’s career record for wins with 49.

Being a part of the tennis team is very important to Shea. She works hard every match to motivate the team and do her best.

“As a captain, I try to encourage positive thinking, whether we were up 6-0 or losing 0-6,” said Shea. “It is Important to never give up because tennis is just as a mental game as a physical game.”

The team’s lineup has changed a lot this season, but everyone on the team was able to adjust well and play to the best of their ability.

“Everyone is so flexible when it comes to lineups – whether it is playing a new position or even taking a loss for the sake of the team,” said Shea.

Shea will attend RPI in the fall and hopes to continue to play tennis there. She is excited for her new journey but also sad to leave Law.

“When I go to college, I will definitely miss my team and Coach K,” said Shea. “I love the game of tennis, but my teammates and coach truly made my years playing tennis at Law an unforgettable experience.”

Being undefeated is something that rarely happens in a sports season. Shea researched her opponents before she played against them so she would know what to expect.

“As my wins began to add up, the thought of playing became quite stressful because i wanted to stay undefeated,” said Shea. “While I played, the key for me was to stay calm, stay confident, and to never lose hope.”

Even though Shea could not qualify for states because she plays 4^th singles, she is excited to help the team win as many matches as they can in states.

“I think the team was so successful this year because we have a great coach and a talented group of girls,” said Shea. “We all contribute to winning.”

Junior captain Megan Gleason sees how hard Shea works to lead the team to success.

“Emma’s energy drives and motivates the team to work as hard as she does,” said Gleason. “We love her.”

Junior captain Victoria Contaxis looks up to Shea as a role model.

“Emma is a great captain because she is just a natural leader and she is not afraid to speak up,” said Contaxis. “She is also a talented tennis player and has an undefeated record which is amazing.”

Head coach Mr. Kulenych has seen Shea improve over the three years he has been her coach and knows how hard she works on and off the court.

“Emma is the epitome of a student-athlete,” Kulenych said. “I don’t know how she does. I don’t know when she sleeps. She works so hard on the court and in the classroom and sets an amazing example for the rest of the team.”

Junior Deepika Senthilnathan is part of the Science Slub and has many classes with Shea.

“Emma is a great athlete and a hard worker in class too,” said Senthilnathan. “She is one of the best captains and will be hard to replace next year.”

Many girls on the team look up to Shea and only ever hope to make an undefeated record.

Senior Anna Downs has known Shea all four years and is inspired because of her motivation.

“Emma is truly the definition of someone who is dedicated in every sport she plays,” said Downs. “Leaving the team is going to be hard but Law will always be our home.”

Kulenych said that the team has big shoes to fill to replace Shea next season.

“What she was able to do this year was unbelievable,” Shea said. “At her spot, no match is easy. Points last forever, matches last forever, but Emma grinds matches out better than anyone I’ve ever seen. She’s such a smart, relentless player who just finds a way to win.”