Junior Kaley Swanson helped the Ankeny Centennial girls’ tennis team to a 9-2 victory at Fort Dodge on Friday. It was the Jaguars’ first win of the season.
Swanson posted a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Madge Hensley at No. 5 singles. She then teamed up with Natalie Carr for a 6-1, 6-3 win over Hensley and Janelle Derrig at No. 3 doubles.
Here is some inside info on Swanson:
Congratulations on the win at Fort Dodge. How did it feel to get your team’s first victory?
To finally get this victory was amazing. We have been working hard in practice, and I felt like everything just came together against Fort Dodge.
Coach Gustafson mentioned that you made some smart adjustments in your singles match based on your opponent’s play. What adjustments did you make?
During practice, we have been working on analyzing our opponents to find their strengths and weaknesses as well as hitting winners either cross court or down the line. Throughout the match, I noticed that my opponent’s backhand was not as consistent and began to target that by hitting balls down the line or trying to make her move around the court. I used what I have learned in practice and other meets and just made it happen to secure the win for our team.
You then teamed up with Natalie Carr for another win in doubles, and coach said that you again made some adjustments in that match. What was the key to the doubles victory?
Natalie and I worked well together. Both of us won our singles match prior and were ready to continue to play strong in doubles. We communicated well and supported each other throughout the match. We have our strengths and weaknesses, and in my opinion, we balance each other out pretty well. My volleys are not as strong as Natalie’s so when we had the opportunity to control the deuce points, I would often be the returner and she was good at strategically hitting the net shots back to win the point. Our strategic ball placement and communication allowed us to secure the doubles win for the team.
Do you prefer singles or doubles? Why?
I prefer playing singles. I feel that I have more control over the court and understand the playing structure better, but have been getting better at doubles as I play more matches.
Your team has faced some of the state’s best squads in the CIML this season. Who is the best team that you’ve played thus far?
The best team that we’ve played was the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A, Waukee Northwest. It was the first meet of the season and with our inexperienced varsity team, Samara (Peterson) is the only girl in the top six who had varsity singles experience and Talia (Baca) was injured so we were all up one spot on the ladder. For me, my nerves were high and I didn’t have the best mental headspace. It was definitely a learning experience, and I feel that I (and the rest of the team) learned a lot and have only gotten better.
Now, you have another big challenge on Tuesday, when you play at undefeated Johnston. Do you feel like your team has nothing to lose against the Dragons?
With the record that the Dragons have this season, we definitely have nothing to lose which is why I think it will be important that we go out with that mentality and play as hard and smart as we can and use the momentum gained by our victory in Fort Dodge.
When did you first start playing tennis?
I have been playing tennis since I was three. I was living in Illinois then, and the only sport choices for three year olds were tennis and ice hockey. I had a hard time trusting myself to skate without assistance and enjoyed tennis quite a bit more. I have been playing and improving ever since.
What do you like most about the sport?
There is something about the feeling of the racket in my hand and the sound of the ball hitting the strings. On top of this, our team and coaches are fantastic. We all support each other and are all willing to work to become even better.
Do you play any other sports, or have you in the past?
I run cross country in the fall and also participate in Theater and Speech.