Many individuals have strategies and different work ethics that help them to become successful in what they do. Whether it is practicing for several hours or adopting the right mentality, these characteristics ultimately lead certain people to achieve their goals. These qualities exist in Goldie La, a freshman who plays, trains, and competes on the CHS’s Varsity Girls Tennis Team. On Nov. 28, 2017 at Whittier Narrows, La competed individually at a CIF match which officially ended their 2017-2018 tennis season. She has been playing and training in tennis for five years, gaining many achievements over the course of her tennis career.
The CIF match consisted of 576 schools from Southern California. These schools come together each year and compete, ending their official season while a total of 160 players are apart of this event. Players from high schools in Southern California are chosen if they appear to be top two in their league. If chosen, the players then qualify to compete in the CIF tournament. La ended her victorious lead in round 16, with only 16 remaining individuals that played. Overall, she says she felt very good about her performance and believes she gave it her all. To prepare for her matches, La usually practices everyday for two and half to three hours Her practices consist of hitting balls and working on her footwork techniques with coaches and the other players. La utilizes Pomona College to practice with her sister and dad. By having great determination and long practices, she has only lost three sets her entire high school season. La’s tremendous effort concerning her physical activity helps her to achieve her goals. She touches bases and balances her life by having a positive mindset.
“When it is a pressuring moment in the match, I try to relax and just focus on the point and not much of the result,” La said.
La believes in a strong mentality to overcome obstacles in this case to win the CIF game. Having a strong mindset is very important to her because it allows time to focus on what really matters and accomplish what she really wants. This has greatly reflected in La’s performance throughout her tennis career and her great experience at her first CIF match.
“I had a really fun time, and enjoyed playing for CHS,” La said. “My first experience playing in CIF was really fun because I didn’t really have anything to lose and I really enjoyed the time with my Coach Kathy. My CIF matches were long and I had to battle throughout the whole way. It was a fun journey look forward to doing next year.”
La has much more to bring to the table for her varsity tennis career considering she is only a freshman. She aims, to yet again compete in CIF next season for tennis. She proves that strength and determination can help anyone accomplish what they strive to achieve. Great things are expected from La throughout the rest of her career.