By Austin Turner — Staff Writer
Senior Lindsey Smith has been part of the San Jose State club tennis team since its inception.
Those who watch the Aquarius said the same word repeatedly — consistency.
“No matter how hard the opponent is hitting it, she always gets the ball back,” said club tennis captain Chloe Hwang. “She uses strategies versus just hit- ting the ball. She messes with their heads by being so consistent.”
The Aquarius sign is known for its intellectual thinking and problem solving.
When watching a match on TV or from the stands, it might seem like the game is purely decided by those who can run the quickest and hit the ball the hardest, but Smith isn’t intimidated by those skills.
She wants to outsmart the player on the other side of the net.
“On the court, I always think about the future,” Smith said. “Before a match I plan out the match. I don’t go out there without thinking about what Ishould do for this specific player.
Of course, during a match it can be tough to make corrections on the fly.
That’s why it’s crucial for players to be coachable and to be able to listen, which is something that can be difficult for an average Aquarius — but not for Smith.
“Without taking direction, I’d just be like any other player,” she said. “Throughout each match I get better because I learn from what my coach tells me.”
Smith uses her mind and coaching to her advantage during matches — but even more than that, her resilience often lifts her over her opponents.
Her mother, Carol Baptista, noticed this back when she began playing tennis at 11.
“She was persistent, she didn’t give up, she didn’t seem to get down on herself and she kept at it,” Baptista said. “Lindsey didn’t get freaked out or want to give up. She just tried to problem solve.”
Independence and the ability to work alone is a trait that Smith prides herself on.
In a sport like tennis, which can either have single competitors or teams of two, some players flourish in one or the other. Smith prefers to go solo.
“I like to take responsibility for everything I do on the court. You travel as a team, you learn as a team, but on the court I don’t really like to play as a team,” Smith said. “It’s about winning that one match. I guess that’s why I like singles better than doubles. I want it to be about me.”
Not only does she prefer playing singles, but she thrives on it.
“She seemed better at the independent sports. One on one,” Baptista said. “She was better at being by herself and focusing on one thing.”
That being said, having a support system of teammates around definitely helps Smith be a better tennis player.
“It’s still nice to be part of something even though I consider it an independent sport,” she said. “It’s nice to have them there for you and have people to help you.”
To Smith, being consistent is the most important and challenging aspect of tennis. Since those with the Aquarius sign are so independent and intellectual, it just comes naturally to her.
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