Inklings 2022

and in love enough with tennis to play in college.” The third category of tennis players is by far the most difficult to be a part of. The path one chooses at 14 dictates how the next several years of marriage to the game will play out. Being part of the third category means you go to school seven hours a day and have practice for roughly two hours after school followed by an hour of conditioning. On top of it all, you have schoolwork waiting for you when you get home. The days feel longer and the nights after practice feel shorter. At this point, many file for divorce. But, not me. I am committed to work - ing it out. Despite the damage done to the mind, body, and soul, my marriage to my soulmate endures. The smaller, cheerful moments carry more significance than the darker ones. That one shot where you strike the ball perfectly in the center of your racquet and the ball travels at the speed of light is the perfect kiss. Loving the small victories more than hating the rougher losses is why I said “I do” to this game. 42 Side Eyes Karyna Steele