Athletic Spotlight: Sophomore Rose Hayes

03+August+2019%3A+2019+USTA+Billie+Jean+King+Girls+18+and+Girls+16+National+Championships+held+at+the+Barnes+Tennis+Center+in+San+Diego%2C+California

Derrick Tuskan Photography

03 August 2019: 2019 USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18 and Girls’ 16 National Championships held at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California

Madison Lewis, Staff Writer

After becoming a Long Island Champion as a freshman, Rose Hayes has returned for hopefully another undefeated season. 

Rose has been dedicated to tennis for eight years. She enjoyed the sport from her first lesson and quickly picked up the skills. Since the age of 10, Rose has been competing in tournaments twice a month. 

Today, she has a major role on the varsity team as number one singles. Rose finished her first season strong and plans on keeping her undefeated record this year. 

Looking back on last year,  Rose said, “One thing I’ll never forget is winning the LIC and celebrating with the team.”

 Before reaching the championship, the team had to get past counties. She explained that she was the most nervous for her counties match against Commack. Her opponent was her good friend and past doubles partner. Rose knew it would be a difficult match but she stayed calm under pressure in the third set.

Rose hasn’t been a Hurricane from the beginning. Until seventh grade, Rose attended East Moriches school. She was on the tennis team at Mercy before transferring to WHB. Rose says it was an easy transition especially because “everyone on the team was so nice and welcoming.” 

Off the court, Rose looks forward to the winter track season and is a high honor roll student.   

All members of varsity tennis can agree that Rose is a significant part of the team and it wouldn’t be the same without her. Our newest member junior Braelene Owen says, “Rose never fails to impress us with her extraordinary skills.”

As of press time, she is undefeated and won first place in the singles division IV tournament. The counties tournament is next.