This year, the North Star girls tennis season is led by two seniors, Mariana Bazan and Hannah Simpson. While many varsity are often dominated by large senior classes, the navigators have only 2 seniors on varsity this season. Despite the smaller senior presence, both athletes have emerged as strong leaders, bringing experience, dedication and encouragement to the team.
The pair reflected on what it was like being the only two seniors on varsity this year. “It’s nice to share all of the leadership roles with Mariana, the other varsity senior, because we both get to take on many responsibilities since there are only two of us,” Simpson shared. Bazan also described the experience as both exciting and unusual, explaining, “it feels cool, but also weird because in the last two years there have been more than just the two of us.”
Now halfway through the season, the team already found success on the court. Simpson expressed optimism about the remainder of the season, saying, “The season is going well. We placed second as a team at the gator invite, so I’m excited to see where the rest of the season will take us.” Their strong performance and leadership have helped push the team forward, continued improvement and confidence throughout the season. Having both been part of the program since their freshman year, Bazan and Simpson have experienced significant growth in both their athletic abilities and personal development. Simpson explained how competing on varsity all four years has shaped her as both a player and person. “My gameplay has improved with the help of my private coach, who has been with me from the very beginning,” she said. “I’ve grown a lot both as a person and as an athlete. I’ve learned so much and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the friendship I’ve gained from tennis.”
As upperclemen both seniors understand the importance of guiding younger teammates and leaving a positive impact on the grammar. Bazan shared advice she hopes underclassmen will remember throughout their tennis career: It’s just a game so don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s supposed to be fun.” Simpson also shared one of her favorite parts of practice: the figure-eight drill. “It combines all the strokes and its really fast paces, which make it fun,” she explained.
Although their final high school tennis is still underway, both seniors already have ambitious goals for the future. Bazan plans to complete cosmetology school and hopes to travel the world before eventually opening her own salon and living in Europe. Meanwhile, Simpson hopes to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. She aspires to contribute advancement to the automotive industry and potentially work in motorsport on day.
