Officer Cueva takes on the position as the Head Tennis Coach.
Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya
After a lifetime of playing tennis, Officer Tim Cueva has taken up the position of Head Tennis Coach for the boys’ tennis team for the 2010 fall season.
“The only rule I have always remembered is what my old coach told me, ‘Quitters never win and winners never quit,’” said Cueva, remembering his days when he played on the tennis team at Aurora Central High School and his freshman year at Arizona State University. An avid tennis player himself, Cueva came to TJ last year and decided to get involved with the girls’ tennis team and pass on his knowledge to the players.
“Tennis is really a lifetime sport and I’m proof of that. All that it really requires is the ambition and to play; you can always work on improving your kills based on your physical ability,” said Cueva. Summer was also filled with a lot of playing and practicing with the guys’ tennis team at the TJ tennis courts.
The team feels that Cueva has bonded with all the players and built a good team spirit among the guys. “Cueva has been helping all the kids with their struggles like forehand shots, backhand shots and volleys. He is overall a great addition to the team and has brought all the guys closer. We love his good humor and his competitive side when it comes to tennis,” said Junior James Bayarsaihan.
Sophomore Zack Robinson agrees that the team has improved greatly since Cueva started as the Head Coach. “Coach Cueva has helped my game by improving my mental focus. Before, I would get distracted and start doing badly, but now I know how to stay on track,” said Robinson. “The team needed a new coach that can teach us all how to concentrate on our game and get us prepared for our matches. We are all glad to have him!”
During this season Coach Cueva has a goal to expand the knowledge of the game to his players and let them have fun with it. “I want to give them a new perspective and a fresh look at the game. I hope to bring a more relaxed atmosphere to practice and make the game exciting for the players,” said Cueva.
Robinson feels that this change of pace is seen in the kids and how they have been approaching their tennis skills. “He is trying to create a good atmosphere for the kids to learn and have fun while being competitive and friendly. Tennis is a game of sportsmanship and honor, and he is helping us learn the mental aspect of the game,” said Robinson.
When former Coach Joel Belmer left the team at the beginning of this year, Cueva stepped up and took over the coaching. “I wanted to help the Athletic Department because I really love tennis and hope to pass on my passion for the game,” said Cueva. The team has responded with an improvement in its playing and the bond between the guys. Cueva is expecting the team to do great this season and live up to their standards. “[I expect] the very best! We have a great bunch of young men with mixed talents. It may take a season to get them in the right place, but I have faith in them.”
So far the team has five wins and three losses. The guys came out with a recent win against East High School making them ranked second in their division. This recent win earns them a spot in the regional tournament and a shot at making it to State playoffs. “This is a tough journey but as long as we have our rock, Cueva, we are not giving up hope,” said Bayarsaihan.
