By Kyle LoJacono
Sarah Bryant is realistic about her role on the Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis team.
The senior understands she isn’t the most talented member of the squad, but still she continues to push herself to get better. She has risen from the No. 10 player last year up to No. 6, one spot away from playing regularly in matches.
Despite playing sparingly, Bryant has remained committed to the team.
“I’ve always wanted to play a sport and tennis felt like the perfect one,” Bryant said. “I fell in love with it. Everything just clicked.”
Bulls coach Jewell Fye is thankful to have someone like Bryant on the squad.
“Sarah is just a sweet and humble young lady,” Fye said. “She wants to do well and is a go getter. She’s not at the top, but she always strives. She practices hard and her improvement from last year to this year is amazing. She’s been determined to be a part of the team.”
Bryant said she worked hard to move up the rankings and her goal is to help her team make its second straight state tournament appearance this year.
“She’s taken lessons and worked hard to get better,” Fye said. “She’s very determined. She’s really moved up and has put in a lot of effort to do that. She’s had the opportunity to play twice as the No. 5 and is 1-1.”
Bryant is one of two seniors on the team with No. 1 player Hannah Still.
“I feel like I have a big role in leadership,” Bryant said. “Even though I’m not the best, I think they still look up to me as a senior.”
Bryant manages tennis practice and matches every day after school, while taking three AP classes and holding down a part-time job on the weekends. She has a 4.6-weighted grade point average and has been accepted at the University of Florida.
Bryant said she wants to continue playing recreational tennis in college.
“It’s something I love to do,” Bryant said. “I wish I’d found it earlier, but I’m going to keep playing now.”
