MAJORS’ MOMENT
Indiana South Bend recruit learns to take charge for LaPorte
Successful but fun. That was the goal of Alaina Majors heading into her senior season at first singles for LaPorte.
With that in mind, she also realized she had to change her offseason preparation.
“I took a different approach this year,” she said. “I wanted to make sure I’d be a good mentor for teammates and lead by example, but most of all, I wanted to have fun doing that.
“I wanted to focus more on my teammates, not myself. It’s made me a better player.”
Personal coach Auggie Guimaraes, who runs Lakeland Academy in Niles, Mich., helped Majors implement the change.
“Auggie told me my skills were good — I just needed to stay confident in myself and have fun,” she said. “I’m not as stressed this year.
“I’m a lot more relaxed and don’t get frustrated in tough situations. I’m believing and feeling more confident in myself now.”
LaPorte coach Don Varda has noticed the difference.
“Her biggest strength is her ability to handle high-pressure situations,” he said. “She’s calmed down and gotten better at keeping a clear mind.”
Majors plans on playing tennis and majoring in computer science at Indiana South Bend. She wants to be a graphic designer.
She made strides last summer playing in USTA Tournaments throughout the Midwest against stiff competition, which led to some bad losses.
“A lot of those matches were learning experiences,” she said. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better. Auggie worked on my mentality and how to set up points.”
Majors won 14 of her first 15 matches — losing only to Valparaiso’s Rose Pastoret — and is one of three Slicers who have posted a combined 44-1 record.
Junior Rachel Kaminski, who plays second singles, and senior
Allison Varda, who plays third singles, are both 15-0.
“I’m very, very proud,” said Allison Varda, Majors’ best friend. “It’s really amazing. We’re all having the best year we’ve ever had.”
Varda is 73-10 in her career. The school record for wins is 83, set by Karen Day from 1977-80.
Varda has committed to Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where she’ll play tennis and major in international studies. She wants to be a foreign service specialist who works with embassies throughout the world.
Kaminski, who played No. 2 doubles last year, was excited about playing singles this season.
She made the transition with the help of local guru Bob Modesto, who’s her personal coach.
“I worked with him all winter and took lessons,” Kaminski said. “The main reason for my skill level is working with Bob. He encouraged me to play in USTA Tournaments to see if I really enjoyed singles. He’s the main reason I’m 15-0.” Hot start: Lake Central has a 10-1 record, including 3-0 in the Duneland Athletic Conference, making coach Bryan Szalonek a happy man.
He credited the play of Belle Watts, who’s 10-1 at first singles.
“Belle is a fighter,” Szalonek said of Watts. “She wins those gritty points and just does enough to frustrate (opponents). She’s very upbeat, grinds out every point, and the others pick up on this.”
Freshmen Ingrid Owczarzak is 10-1 at third singles, while Leah Palkon is 8-2 at second singles.
C o n s i ste n t Ko u ga r : Senior Aubrey Toppen is 8-2 at first singles this season for Kankakee Valley.
Her only losses were to Munster freshman sensation Sanjana Tallamraju, and Merrillville sophomore star Sydney Jackson.
Toppen, who also plays soccer and basketball, has a 43-9 career record.
“There’s nothing flashy about Aubrey’s game,” Kankakee Valley coach Steve Ganzeveld said. “She doesn’t hit hard, but she’ll wear down every opponent.”
John O’Malley is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.