Name: Emma Biegansky
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
When did you first start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was around 7, pretty young. My older brother Ryan always played club tennis, too.
What do you enjoy about playing doubles?
I think that there's a big difference between singles and doubles. There are a lot of different strategies you can use in doubles. Once you find a good partner and get that chemistry going, it can be really fun.
Do you have any pre-meet routines?
Most of our meets are on Saturday. We have a big team pasta party every Friday night before we have a big meet. It's nice to relax and hang out with the team and calm our nerves before we play on Saturday.
How have you improved since your freshman year?
Our coaches, Shawna and Bill, are amazing and they really help at practice and try to really help us improve. We focus a lot on doubles because coming into high school from playing singles your whole life can be quite the adjustment. I feel like from playing my four years, I've definitely improved on my doubles game.
What is your goal for the season?
Our No. 1 goal is to definitely win state.
What do you try to do as a team captain?
From being a senior and being a captain, it's really important to integrate everyone as friends and get rid of most of the competition at practice. It can be pretty tense sometimes. I think that's the most important part - that we all have each other's backs and that we love each other as a team.
How do you feel about being named to homecoming court?
That was very exciting, kind of unexpected. It was a really nice surprise and I'm really excited for this week. It's a lot of fun to be with all my friends on the court.
What are your plans for next year?
I don't think I will be playing tennis in college, but possibly playing club tennis.
Why does coach Shawna Zsinko like having Biegansky on the team?
Emma Biegansky is one of our captains and does a fantastic job of creating team spirit. She is a great team player and knows how to keep everyone included and feeling part of a great Hinsdale Central tradition.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
