by Maleny Mireles
New Prairie High School’s Girls’ tennis coach suffered a heart attack before their spring season.
Tennis coach, Joel Hostetler, is in the process of healing after he had open heart surgery. Despite the recent surgery, Hostetler is still involved with the team this season.
This was a shock for the players, especially the ones who knew him.
“It just really made everyone even more grateful for what he does for us on and off the court,” said senior Megan Boyd.
Hostetler is coaching alongside an assistant coach and practices and matches are organized by him, despite the health restrictions. Assistant Coach Brooke Foltz is involved with the more physical aspects of the practices.
The girls’ team accumulated newer players for this season and to minimize the workload for the coach, the seniors took initiative in helping the players learn more about the game.
Senior players Megan Boyd and Emmy Kirkham are excited for the upcoming season.
“It was hard at first because the coach couldn’t be there and we were all worried about him, so the seniors stepped up to make the new players feel like a part of the team,” said Kirkham.
The team began conditioning for the season with practices three times a week beginning in February that consisted of workouts in the weight room and laps around the school.
“I think that in a roundabout way, his emergency and scare motivated us all even more to have a winning season for him,” said Boyd.
With encouragement and motivation, the girls continue to be an example for the younger and newer players.
“It takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. Just have fun when playing,” advised Kirkham.
The girls won 4-1 in their first match on Mar. 27th against Michigan City High School.
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