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League News: Beyond The Roster: Why Captains Can’t Do It Alone

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By Drew Meyer, Men’s League Vice President

While a team’s success often is measured by its record, its very existence depends on the hard work of one person: the captain. These volunteers take on the immense responsibility of organizing, scheduling, and leading their teams, often with little thanks. But behind every great captain is a group of teammates who make the job more manageable. This article celebrates those unsung heroes — the crucial support system that turns a challenging volunteer role into a rewarding experience for everyone in the Atlanta tennis community.

The team psychologist: The captain’s right hand
This player is the team’s emotional anchor and the captain’s best ally. While the captain is busy with court logistics, this teammate “reads the room,” sends encouraging texts after a tough loss, and makes sure everyone feels included. His ability to foster a positive, cohesive atmosphere is a huge relief for the captain. By building and maintaining team morale, the team psychologist allows the captain to focus on the big picture, knowing that the team’s spirit is in good hands.

The closer: The captain’s secret weapon
The captain’s job involves a lot of pressure, especially when a crucial match hangs in the balance. The closer is the player you hand the racquet to when it’s all on the line. He may not be the highest ranked on the team, but he has a knack for staying calm and performing when it matters most. His ice-cold composure and laser focus in high-stakes situations takes the pressure off the captain. When everyone else is tightening up, The closer is delivering, providing a consistent source of confidence that can change the outcome of a match and even a season.

The team cheerleader: The captain’s motivator
Every captain knows the team’s energy is a key factor in winning, and the team cheerleader is the one who keeps spirits high. This teammate is a source of boundless optimism, celebrating every good shot and reminding everyone that, win or lose, we still get to escape reality for a few hours every week and enjoy tennis with our ALTA community. When a match is going south, he is the first to offer words of encouragement. This positive energy supports the captain’s leadership and ensures the team’s atmosphere remains resilient.

So, the next time you see your captain tirelessly coordinating details, take a moment to look around at the teammates who make his job easier. The team psychologist, the closer, and the team cheerleader are the true unsung heroes who make the journey of playing ALTA not just possible, but also truly enjoyable.