For Amelia Lee ’22 and Jared Gura ’22, the journey to securing twin ISL championships for the Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis Teams was made possible by unwavering camaraderie. After a canceled 2020 season and shortened 2021 season, both captains faced the challenge of getting back in tune with a demanding tennis schedule. Yet, through their firm leadership and hard work, Groton tennis came roaring back to conquer the ISL. Both captains fostered a supportive environment for their players, allowing them to persevere through the toughest of challenges. Each match they played, each point they fought for, and each ball they hit was a reflection of their resilient spirits. As they get ready to leave Groton, Amelia Lee and Jared Gura reflect on their athletic accomplishments and experiences.

What prompted you to first join the tennis team here at Groton?

Jared: I’ve played tennis my entire life and so joining the tennis team at Groton was the next logical step for me. Actually, Groton’s tennis team was one of the reasons I came to Groton in the first place. I met with Señor Conner when I was in just seventh grade, and he left such an amazing impression on me both about himself and the team. 

Amelia: Tennis is one of the reasons why I initially considered Groton because I shared a couch with Gloria Hui ’19, so that exposed me to Groton and I was inspired to apply to Groton and eventually join the tennis program. So that’s kind of what brought me here, but I also just really got a great vibe from the tennis team in general. 

What important lessons have you learned as a tennis captain?  

Jared: I’ve learned that the most important part of being a captain, and about being a leader in general, is to act in the interests of the team rather than myself. I think, with tennis being such an individual sport, that it is easy to get bogged down in your own personal successes and failures, but as a captain I have done my best to set an example that our tennis team is a team and that we must always support each other. 

Amelia: I think we’ve had a lot of difficulties and hurdles along the way. I think being able to come back from that, to persevere, and to build each other up and support each other on the team is one of the biggest parts of sports at Groton in general.

What is your most memorable Groton tennis moment?

Jared: Honestly, I think it has to be Larry Li’s crazy match against Brunswick. I’m so proud of Larry and the effort he put forth, and I thought it was so amazing to see how much fight there is in him.

Amelia: We had New England’s last weekend (5/21/22), and we made the semi-finals and lost in that by a very close margin. The way we supported each other afterwards really made me proud of my team in general. That was one moment in which I really recognized how much we supported each other and how we were working together.

What is your most memorable Groton basketball moment? 

Jared: My most memorable Groton basketball moment was our win over St. Mark’s this season. It was kind of a whirlwind game for the team and for me personally, but I think everyone came together nicely to finish strong in an amazing win. 

What is your most memorable Groton squash moment? 

Amelia: I’d say that was my fourth form year when we won Nationals Division III. That was crazy, because I started squash at Groton. So to be on the Varsity Team in fourth form and to actually accomplish something was amazing. I was actually one of the deciders for the semi-finals, so I felt really proud of myself at that moment and I really loved, as I said before, the way our team supported each other through the end. We won against St. Mark’s actually for the finals, and it was 4-3, so it was really close and I was really proud of that.

What were some challenges you faced during the tennis season?  How did you overcome them?

Jared: During the tennis season, both myself personally and members of our team struggled with physical injuries. I think a major part of our success as a team was dealing with these injuries, as both the captains and Señor Conner were very prudent in making sure that people were properly rested. I also think our tennis team faced a significant challenge in playing Belmont Hill away. Their crowd was loud and rowdy, and after losing the doubles point, there might have been concern that this loss of momentum would cost us the win. Yet, our players rallied back and fought hard to deliver a crushing defeat on their home turf.

What were some challenges you faced during the squash season?  How did you overcome them?

Amelia: I’d say I had two challenges. One is based in terms of skill – switching from tennis to squash is a tough thing to do. Actually, it’s easier to switch from squash to tennis because I have that muscle memory. But, after doing it multiple times, I’m better at switching between the two sports. The second one is feeling like I’m not supposed to be there a little bit, because I did start squash at Groton, so sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough for the team. But, I have to overcome that and think I made it here and I’m playing well. That’s what propels me forward.

Who inspires you the most to give your best during games?

Jared: I think I’m most inspired by my teammates. This season, I’ve really appreciated how our tennis team has become such a brotherhood, and I think all of us are very motivated to win for each other. 

Amelia: I’d say there are celebrity idols that I look up to. Specifically, Nadal is my favorite tennis player since he is a very resilient person. For role models in my own life, I’d say my coaches – Coach Ryan for tennis and Mr. Das for squash – really inspire me and my teammates. My captains from prior years also inspire me. Now that I’m one of the captains, it’s very different and I have to put that perspective on other people. It’s full-circle. 

For Jared Gura ’22, the journey to securing twin ISL championships for the Boys  Varsity Tennis Team was made possible by unwavering camaraderie. As they get ready to leave Groton, Amelia Lee and Jared Gura reflect on their athletic accomplishments and experiences.

What prompted you to first join the tennis team here at Groton?

Jared: I’ve played tennis my entire life, so joining the tennis team at Groton was the next logical step for me. Groton’s tennis team was one of the reasons I came to Groton in the first place. I met with Señor Conner when I was in just seventh grade, and he left such an amazing impression on me both about himself and the team. 

What important lessons have you learned as a tennis captain?  

Jared: I’ve learned that the most important part of being a captain, and about being a leader in general, is to act in the interests of the team rather than myself. I think, with tennis being such an individual sport, that it is easy to get bogged down in your own personal successes and failures, but as a captain I have done my best to establish that our tennis team is a team and that we must always support each other. 

What is your most memorable Groton tennis moment?

Jared: Honestly, I think it has to be Larry Li’s crazy match against Brunswick. I’m so proud of Larry and the effort he put forth, and I thought it was so amazing to see how much fight there is in him.

What were some challenges you faced during the tennis season?  How did you overcome them?

Jared: During the tennis season, our team struggled with physical injuries. We dealt with these injuries well, as both the captains and Señor Conner were very prudent in making sure that people were properly rested. I also think our tennis team faced a significant challenge in playing Belmont Hill away. Their crowd was loud and rowdy, and after losing the doubles point, there might have been concern that this loss of momentum would cost us the win. Yet, our players rallied back and fought hard to deliver a crushing defeat on their home turf.

Who inspires you the most to give your best during games?

Jared: I think I’m most inspired by my teammates. This season, I’ve really appreciated how our tennis team has become such a brotherhood, and I think all of us are very motivated to win for each other.