In the swing of things
West Side Story interviews sophomore varsity tennis player Sasha Postnikov about her experienc transferring to West.
Sasha Postnikov ’23 serves the ball during the first match of the season.
West Side Story: How long have you been playing tennis?
Sasha Postnikov: I have been playing tennis since I could walk. My sister is older than me, so I was always on the court. but I started taking lessons when I was about five or six.
WSS: How did you make the initial decision to come to West?
SP: I felt like I didn’t fit in with the people at Prarie and West is a lot better academically, and it is a much more inclusive place overall. I didn’t feel supported by my peers or teachers at Prarie. But West is a much better community and I feel supported by everyone.
WSS: How has West High been different than your experience at Prarie so far?
SP: But I think at West our new coach Brenda has done a really good job of giving us resources and tools and she’s just very helpful and I know that she cares about us and the team outside of tennis, so our coach makes a really big difference. I’m very thankful for Brenda. Also, there are a lot better players here, the HTRC is right across the street. So a lot of the players here are more driven and have more experience.
WSS: Who is your biggest athlete idol?
SP: Probably Naomi Osaka, She is just fun to watch. I had the opportunity to watch her last summer. I think everything she stands for on and off the court is just really inspirational. She’s talked a lot about mental health and all the pressures of everything. She got a lot of criticism for taking a few months off, but you know if that’s what she needed to do, that’s what she needed to do.
WSS: What is your favorite part about playing tennis?
SP: My favorite part about playing tennis is walking off the court and knowing I put everything out there, and just feeling proud of myself. Tennis has always been my place. Whatever is going on, I could go to tennis and I could play. Some of the best matches I remember have been when I lost but I know I played so well. Or when I made it to state as a freshman, that was one of the best days of my life I was overjoyed.
WSS: What are your personal goals for the season?
SP: My biggest goal is to improve my mental game. Last year I had a disappointing ending to state and in my third match, I let my emotions control me which led to some regretful decisions on the court. I just want to work and show everyone that I am not the same girl I was last year. I want to prove I am strong enough to win but also strong enough to lose because you lose a lot more than you win in tennis.
WSS: do you have any pregame rituals?
SP: I write a lot of affirmations in my journal. I am not religious, but there’s a serenity prayer it’s “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, and change the things I can.” So I always say that to myself before my matches.
Listen to Sasha’s favorite pregame song:
Your donation will support the student journalists of West High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase Scholarship Yearbooks, newsroom equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
(she/her) Zoe Smith is a senior and entering her third and final year on staff. She is so excited to be this year's Web Editor-in-Chief. Although you can...
