Kaplan was an ace as a coach, too

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Mia Kaplan wasn’t only Boonton High School’s first singles player, she also served as a coach.

An athlete like Kaplan is a valuable asset to any team. A senior, Kaplan not only competed for the girls tennis squad, she used her experience to nurture the younger girls.

“I think my best attribute as a player is my leadership,” Kaplan said. “I loved teaching and helping out the new players as they grew into stronger players.

“I would figure out their weaknesses or an area that they were not confident in and I would work with them to improve that skill. I wanted to help us grow as a team and as individual players.”

That growth wasn’t evident in the Bombers’ record, which was 0-10. It came through in the camaraderie and closeness of the group. Although winless, Boonton battled hard in each and every match.

“One of my highlights of this season was getting to work with and getting to know all the players,” said Kaplan, the first singles player. “As one of the captains, I wanted to help and improve the team during the season and I was able to make so many new friends… I do feel like we were able to come closer as a team.”

Kaplan began playing tennis at a camp the summer after sixth grade. She immediately became enamored with the sport and wanted to work on honing her skills.

“I loved the joy and the satisfaction it brought me,” Kaplan said. “I continued to take lessons from then on. The pandemic, however, stopped me from playing for awhile. Luckily, I was given a chance to start again when I signed up for the team.”

Playing first singles is challenging because the level of play is so high and the opposing players are so tough. Kaplan had to be on for every match and noted that “there is no room for messing up.”

“You can’t be vulnerable because everyone is looking at you,” she said. “After all, you are supposed to be the best player on the team. I had to go up against some of the toughest competition in our county. Being first was an honor but also a curse.”

As a junior, Kaplan held down the second singles position. She played one match at first doubles and one at first singles. During the fall of her sophomore year, Kaplan held down the third singles spot.