A senior at Bear River has had the opportunity to be a part of a team, and it brought her to the top.
Savannah Thrasher, a member of the Bear River Tennis team, took home a section title for Bear River in the Sac-Joaquin Section co-ed girls tennis championship this year. Thrasher went 19-1 in Pioneer Valley League (PVL) play and won the PVL girls singles title. She won out in the Playoff bracket.
Head Tennis Coach Jefferey Carrow described what makes Thrasher so good at what she does.
“Savannah Thrasher was a star on the court this year,” said Coach Carrow. “Savannah works all year round because tennis is her passion, and so she really is able to bring so much experience to the table. That makes all the difference.”
Coach Carrow also praised Thrasher’s contribution to the younger tennis players.
“Savannah is an excellent example to set for younger students,” he said. “She is helpful and likes to share her goals, off the court, and help other kids realize and reach their own. She’s also been able to help tutor younger athletes over at Placer High School and works with some of the coaches over there and that’s evident when she plays.”
Thrasher has been very humble throughout her experience with tennis, and is constantly reaching out and trying to make everyone feel comfortable.
“This year was my best year because we had so many new players that didn’t really know what was going on,” Thrasher said. “They didn’t have much experience, but they were really fun to play with and they were really fun to be around.”
She credited some of her winning season to her practice schedule.
“I practice four days a week at school, as well as in my recreational time,” she said.
Learning to cooperate as a group rather than an individual is one of the most valuable things you can take away from being on a team, players said.
“The most valuable thing that I took away from tennis is that control is better than power,” said Junior Zack Tener.
However, there is a balance between the two aspects of the sport.
“Some of the things that I like the most about tennis is the individuality,” Tener said. “At the same time, the team mentality we have is really uplifting.”
Jacob Knox, a sophomore, described Thrasher’s specific achievements, as well as mentioning how her talents fit into the overall dynamic of the team.
“Savannah Thrasher won the number one award during the tennis season, which was really impressive, and she was definitely one of the best members of the team,” he said. “The team itself also placed very well. It did not get first, but it placed very well and Savannah definitely added towards that wellness.”
Savannah said that she gives tennis credit for molding her into the hard-working person she is today, and is proud of what she has accomplished during her four years at Bear River.
“Tennis has formed me into the person I am today,” Thrasher said. “It has helped me learn to be respectful and it helps me set goals for myself… A goal that I wanted to set for myself freshman year was that I wanted to win Sections; I did that this year, and I have tennis to thank for that.”
