Rachele Cameli
Hinsdale
What's your goal for your senior tennis season?
I'm just excited to play as hard as I can and always strive to win because there's no next year for me.
When did you first start playing?
In seventh grade. My sister played in high school, so I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
What do you enjoy about tennis?
It requires a lot of physical and mental endurance, and you need to form a plan but also adapt to your opponent, in both singles and doubles.
Do you like doubles?
I like having to work with another person. I think that my strengths are at the net and my serves, so it's good to work with someone whose strong with groundstrokes from the baseline.
How would your teammates describe you?
Calm and controlled, especially in intense situations. I think that comes from playing a lot of different sports growing up. I know what it takes to come back and win.
What do you do to prepare for a meet?
Every Friday night before a Saturday tournament we have a team pasta party, and that encourages a lot of team interaction and fun. Before a match I always listen to music and I do a dynamic warm-up with my team. Then I usually warm up with my doubles teammate for that tournament.
What has playing for Central meant to you?
My favorite part of it is the meeting new people and making new friends both on and off the court.
What do you want to be able to say at season's end?
That I worked as hard as could and gave 100 percent in everything, Hopefully just that the team did well overall.
Have you been involved in other school activities?
I play badminton. Last season my doubles teammate and I placed sixth in the state.
How do you like to kick back?
I like hanging out with my family and friends.
Why does coach Shawna Zsinko like having Cameli on the squad?
Rachele has brought a calming force to Central. She came from Hinsdale South a few years ago and is a great tennis and badminton player. She has been a great anchor to the team.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
