Brittany Burke Having a Winning Season

Garden City sophomore Brittany Burke has looked comfortable in her new role as the second singles player for the girls varsity tennis team this season.

She has defeated every opponent she has played thus far in a tough Conference I.

"I wasn't happy where I was in second doubles last year and I wanted to do something about it," said Burke. "I hired a private coach in the offseason and worked really hard to get better."

She said her coach helped her with adding more power to her forehand and taught her how to move her feet to get ready for the next shot.

"The biggest thing with me was I'd get upset if I lost a point in a game. It would effect me during the next point. Now if I lose a point I try to forget it and move on," Burke said.

Her biggest change is the improvement in her mental game and the patience she now shows in each rally.

"I'm constantly thinking before each shot I make and I'm hitting with a purpose now," she said.

Burke says she loves the game of tennis and enjoys being around her teammates.

"We might not be having the best season this year as far as our record goes but we still get along great with each other every time we're on the court," she said. "We work together and try hard and have fun being around each other even in the practices."

Asked if she will continue coming out for tennis in her junior and senior years, Burke says absolutely.

"I will definitely be back to compete for my singles spot but want to balance that with my other favorite sport - golf, which starts in the spring," she said.