Interviewing Jakson Klosterman
Dedicated team. The JV Boys team here at South practice for 4 days each week, from Monday to Thursday. Every practice lasts about 2 hours. It definitely takes a committed team to take that much time out of their lives for South’s tennis team.
April 3, 2019
As the JV tennis season is coming to a close, both of the JV boys’ and girls’ are preparing for Regionals. With only two losses in their season and seven wins, they go into regionals with an exemplary record. I sat down with Jakson Klosterman, a first year South tennis player, to ask about his improvement throughout the year.
Player on sidelines. Jakson Klosterman sits patiently watching his teammates play on the courts. In fact, it is mandatory for the entire team to stay and watch the entire match, no matter if a player isn’t on the courts for the entire game. It helps build a stronger relationship between the team and is a good learning experience of each of the individual players.
Q: When did you start playing tennis?
A: I started playing about 2 years ago, in 7th grade.
Q: What made you want to continue to play tennis after your first tennis practice?
A: It was really fun and I just loved the feeling of playing tennis. My family plays tennis as well, so I have been exposed to tennis for a long time.
Q: Which famous tennis player do you look up to?
A: I look up to Roger Federer because he has won a lot of titles and has accomplished a lot in tennis.
Q: What encouraged you to join South’s tennis team?
A: My family encouraged me to join the tennis team, as they are actively involved in South’s booster club for the tennis team. My older sister [Sophia Klosterman] also played for South’s tennis team as well.
Q: How much time do you put into tennis?
A: For the school team, we usually have practice Monday through Thursday, in the evenings for 2 hours. On Fridays, I practice with another coach outside of school in a group lesson.
Q: What are some tips you would recommend to kids trying out for the team next year?
A: I would practice and rehearse the things that we do in tryouts, which makes tryouts easier for kids who are trying out for the first time. Also, try to go out to the courts and practice as much as you can.
As they wrap up the season, it is clear that the tennis program at South is one of the best in Georgia. Last year, the Varsity Boys were state champions and brought home the glory. Varsity Girls and JV Girls have also have had great seasons resulting in a spot at Regionals. With the help of their remarkable coaches, it is no doubt that the teams here at South can reach new heights.
