When it comes to Airport’s success on the tennis court in 2010, two names quickly emerge: Connie Leaphart and Shanieka Staley. Both Leaphart, a senior, and Staley, a sophomore, began playing tennis when they were in the seventh grade. The two girls enter the 2010 season as the top two players on the Airport girls’ tennis team.

Along with the success, the two players share the same goals—they want to win every match. The two players have not let the fact that one is the number one player, and the other is the number two player drive them apart. In fact, they are friends. As with any two people, there are differences.

Leaphart began playing tennis in the seventh grade when a coach visited her in middle school and told her the tennis team needed players. She decided to try out and has played ever since. She says being able to make the varsity squad in seventh grade is her biggest accomplishment. However, dealing with better competition is difficult. The strongest part of her game, she says, is her backhand and down the line shots.

For Staley, she was inspired by her sister to play tennis. She enjoys the intensity of the sport but says she has to work on her confidence. Her cross court forehand is the strongest part of her game.

Leaphart and Staley say being friends helps make each of them better. Leaphart says it boosts their confidence while not having jealously due to on the court results. Staley says when she sees Leaphart playing hard, it drives her to give the most to her performance.

When it came to coach Laurens Hargett’s impact on both of their games, one word immediately comes to mind.

“Wow!”

Staley says Hargett makes them both mentally stronger, which helps her play more consistently.

Both girls obviously enjoy tennis, but for different reasons. Leaphart loves being part of team and the camaraderie she shares with her teammates. Staley does, too, but also loves the challenge tennis presents as a solitary sport. In a singles match, there are no teammates to rely on, and she relishes having the outcome in her hands alone.

No matter which one is on the court, opponents should expect a hard fought match.