All In for Each Other: The Foundation of UNC Women’s Tennis

SPORTS

By Courtney Howell
Correspondent

CHAPEL HILL – A strong foundation of trust and confidence in one another as individuals and teammates, UNC’s women’s tennis team represents the Tar Heels with competitive energy and togetherness in a positive atmosphere. 

With the ability to balance fun and focus, this UNC women’s tennis team has a deeper understanding of what it takes to stay locked in on the court while making the pressures of match day enjoyable for those competing, on the sidelines, or in the stands. Making an extra effort to stay connected helps these student-athletes remain consistent in their trust and sense of support through their bonds. Serena Williams once said, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.” 

Remaining grounded in their foundation, whether in singles or doubles matches, the goal is to succeed as a team. They aim to represent the university by leveraging the support of current students, staff, and alumni. Their commitment goes beyond winning, as they showcase success, support, and care for each other both on and off the court. This dedication is visible to fans and the local community outside Carolina Athletics viewers, extending to the city as a whole.

“Something that stands out to me about how our team prepares and competes is the energy we bring on match days. We’re all having fun, music is playing, everyone is pumping each other up, and the atmosphere is really positive. Once we start competing, that energy shifts into focus. Everyone is locked in on their own court, but we’re also constantly cheering on the teammates next to us and staying connected as a team,” said Thea Rabman, Junior. 

Thea Rabman. Photo by James Molgaard. Photo courtesy of GoHeels.com

Defining the culture of this team that goes beyond competition results comes from the year-after-year enjoyment, coupled with growth and development. Having athletes who enjoy going to practice to put in the repetitions to get better on the court, while also showing up out of admiration for the sport itself, helps this group of young women prove themselves to be progressive and successful athletes. 

“People tend to perform best when they’re happy, and that’s a primary ingredient of this program,” said Coach Thomson.  

Incorporating veterans with incoming student-athletes helps ease the transition to the team and the collegiate athletic environment. Honing the connection between teammates is a focus Coach Thomson embraces when leading his team. Encouraging each girl to be fully in focus on the court while simultaneously remaining connected to each other with energy and support to overall help everyone be a part of their team – no matter their specific roles that day, practice or match. 

“When the team is at its best, it is when the bench players are fully engaged with the starters (and vice-versa), and when the starters give high-fives to their teammates on neighboring courts,” said Coach Thomson.    

Motivation occurs when extra practice opportunities come from student-athletes wanting to put in additional voluntary hours, rather than from pressure from the coaching staff. Having a supportive, encouraging and hard-working environment encourages that in of itself for the team, making them one that displays the girls’ grit, sportsmanship, poise, and selflessness for one another as a team with high camaraderie. 

Unseen by the fans of this Carolina team, are the lengthy practices, weights, and extra training sessions with their athletic trainer, Graham. 

This group of young women is supported not only by one another and their coaching staff, but by what can best be described as a true Carolina village. From the countless hours spent in the training room with athletic trainer Graham, to the emphasis on mental health and the mental game through sessions with sport psychologists Jeni, Rick, and Karen, every layer of their development is intentional. Their physical preparation is strengthened by the dedicated work they put in with conditioning coach Lilly, ensuring they are strong in both body and mind.

“We always tell recruits that if they give their best every day and have a good attitude while doing it, that we’ll consider their membership on the team to be successful. Victories come from those two pillars of this program,” said Coach Thomson.