When Jill Hartman chose to take over coaching Fossil Ridge girls tennis, she wanted to continue the rally left by longtime coaches Mike Scimeca and Gordon Motley.
“I felt like I could bring some realism to the job,” Hartman said. “I’ve been really immersed in Junior Tennis and its competitive nature. So I felt like I could bring some knowledge to the team.”
Hartman hopes to grow the team in multiple ways through weight room workouts and preseason camps. Additionally, Hartman believes she herself must continue to improve.
“I am still taking lessons myself,” Hartman said, “to learn the newest things and the latest techniques.”
Hartman’s vision is to create more unity between the coaches and players and throughout the Fossil Ridge tennis community.
“It’s not all about winning. But what I’d like to see is everybody grow individually and then we can be successful as a team,” Hartman said. “I want everybody to grow and that’s without getting hurt.”
Last season proved to be one of the most successful yet for Fossil tennis with doubles team Avery MacKenzie and Afton Sidwell finishing second at their level in the state and Kate Davis finishing third at hers.
Hartman hopes to continue those successes this year with help from Assistant Coach Katie Barstow.
“I think that high school sports are such a pivotal moment in a young person’s life,” Barstow said. “High school is when a teenager transforms into a young adult and it’s important that we are there to support.”
With many years of experience in project management and fitness instruction, Barstow is excited to share her experience with players of all levels.
“Sports are awesome. We decided to take a supportive approach,” she said. “Sports in general teach you life lessons, but especially tennis teaches you most importantly: resilience.”
Starting her fourth year of tennis at FRHS, senior Libby Sollenberger is excited about the upcoming season.
“Over the past couple of years, I’ve worked among others to unite the team,” Sollenberger said. “This not only helped our reputation, but it helped our team. I think that Jill is going to work hard to make sure we stay united.”
Sollenberger played doubles along with her partner Bela Lorey on varsity. She has enjoyed her time on the team and hopes that it continues to grow over the next few years, even after she’s graduated.
“I love to see the new freshmen, it reminds me that even with all the seniors on the team we have many who will replace us,” Sollenberger said. “I want more girls to experience the magic of Fossil tennis and I urge anyone who’s thinking about it to try out.”
The season starts February 26th at the Fossil tennis courts. Coach Jill encourages anyone interested to come.
