The Breakpoint by Deepika

The Breakpoint by Deepika - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

A school accomplishment, that can be anything right? I appreciate a lot of the opportunities that I have had, and one that I am most proud of is this:

POP! The crisp peel of the top of the new can of tennis balls has enthralled me since I was 5. At this moment, however, it sounded more like a splintering crack. Was I excited, or nervous or both? Today would be a pivotal moment for myself, my partner, and my team. My partner’s confidence and mine should be high since we won 17 out of 20 games thus far, but we felt flat-footed by these opponents:

Our opponents worry me. I didn’t know them personally, but their prim sweater jerseys, French manicures and the expensive shoes, personified their attitude. Their arrogant chuckling irritated and intimidated me, as if they had already determined who the winners would be.

The four of us met in the middle of the court for the toss, which will determine who has the advantage. All eyes are on the spinning racquet. I cross my fingers behind my back.

The racquet lands up.

Kate flashes me a panicked look as we walk to our spots, quickly strategizing tactics: a variety of serves, baseline shots, and drop shots.

Returning their serves with ease, we rallied and volleyed in the first set.

Our confidence turned out to be misplaced, and we missed simple shots and our communication faltered.

“Kate, that’s your shot, take it.”
She was too slow.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we just missed that!”

And with an untouchable approach shot, just like that, we lost set two.

I told myself that the lessons, advice, and practice that my coaches have instilled in me made me mentally and physically strong. Unbeatable. “Stay calm and focus”, I said to myself.

A few games into the third set, we were down 3-5. It was my service.

Thanks to the scorching sun, my sunscreen dripped down my face and stung my eyes. My legs shook, barely holding my weight and the ground swayed. I needed a break. All my energy was absorbed by the pounding sun. Weak and depleted, I recognized my teammates and coaches filling the bleachers. That’s all I need: more pressure.

“3-5, deuce,” I shakily announce. My hands trembled and my heart raced as adrenaline rushed through my body. I was certain that everyone could see my fear. My eyes had focused to the rhythm of the ball. I toss the ball vertically up, and follow through with the serve. It hit the net.

“I can do this”, I whispered to myself, slowly dragging my feet to retrieve the ball. Breathing with a clear mind, I felt the intake of oxygen go through my lungs, and activate the blood flow from head to toe. This time, with a higher toss and a strategic kick, the ball spun in an upward parabola and landed over the net into the service box.

I decided that if I stretch the length of this rally, that our opponents will surely wilt and make a service net error, visualizing the game plan.

Ahh, a huge relief, then turned into vibrant smiles; I high-fived Kate.We won that point, which won us the game and we broke our opponent’s service. The score now: 5-5. Two more games and we picked up on communication skills and synchronized our thoughts. With each put away shot my confidence grew. Slamming volleys to quick and deep baseline rallies to put away shots. Moments later,

The blonde girl made contact with the ball and it was coming straight towards the edge of the court.
I darted over and sliced it, forcing the ball to the left of our opponent’s court.
The brunette girl fell short.

Hooray! Clinching that victory, we were ecstatic, and our teammates were too, lifting us onto their shoulders. We helped beat our town rival and proceed to states.

Tennis is not just a game, it is a metaphor for life. As my continued success in tennis, equates to my understanding in life. And this was one of many proud accomplishments that I cherish.