News Summary

The Duluth East Greyhounds tennis team stands out due to its strong family dynamics, with several siblings and cousins playing together. This unique bond enhances their competitive spirit, as they navigate personal relationships on the court while showcasing their skills. With supportive coaching staff who share family connections, the team thrives despite challenges. As they face new opportunities in the competitive scene, the Greyhounds aim to embrace their family roots and cement their legacy in high school tennis.

Duluth East Tennis Team Thrives on Family Dynamics and Competitive Spirit

Welcome to Duluth, where the sun shone brightly on the tennis courts at Laura MacArthur Elementary School as the Greyhounds tennis team faced off against their rivals, Duluth Denfeld. This match had everyone buzzing with excitement, and it wasn’t just because of the fierce competition; it was also about the strong family ties that run through the team.

Family Ties on the Court

What makes the Greyhounds so special? Well, it’s all about family! The team is bursting with siblings and cousins, creating a unique dynamic that you won’t find on any other team. Sisters Harriet and Louisa Hill, alongside their cousin Aleta Kimber, have been hitting the courts together for years. Little sister, Charlotte Hill, may be in seventh grade playing primarily junior varsity this season, but she’s gearing up to make her mark on varsity next year.

The Priley sisters, Bella and Sophia, are also part of this thriving family atmosphere. They understand the ups and downs that come with being on the same high school sports team, but they know how to channel their energy into their game.

A Rich Legacy of Competition

It’s not just the players who are family oriented – the coaching staff has its own family connections. Coach Meghan Kimber, Aleta’s mother, and assistant coach Kristin Hill, who’s Harriet, Louisa, and Charlotte’s mom, both played on the Greyhounds teams in the 1990s. Meghan and her twin sister, Anne Donley, graduated from Duluth East in 1996 alongside Kristin, who was a 1998 graduate. They know a thing or two about the pressure and passion that comes with representing their school.

Aleta has shared the court with her sister Lillian Kimber, who graduated last year, but this season she’s focused on showcasing her own skills, especially as she typically plays at No. 1 singles. Harriet prefers the doubles game, thriving in her role as a partner. It’s clear that the competitive spirit runs deep in this family!

Navigating Family Dynamics

Playing with family isn’t always smooth sailing. Harriet mentioned that practicing together can get tricky when personal disagreements pop up. The team understands that navigating those family dynamics can be complicated, especially comparing conflicts with friends to those with siblings.

Yet, the tennis court has become more than just a battleground—it serves as a therapeutic outlet. Players use their time on the court to set aside personal issues and focus solely on their game. Interestingly, the sisters don’t usually pair up as doubles partners; they find it works best to team up with other players, making the practice more enjoyable and productive.

Bella Priley has praised Harriet for her enthusiastic spirit on the court, highlighting how her energy lights up their doubles partnership. It’s this spirit that has contributed to the team’s overall depth, as they boast competitive players throughout their lineup, including Mae McCall at No. 2 singles and Nora Good at No. 3 singles.

New Challenges and Opportunities

This year, the high school tennis section underwent a structural shake-up, creating more opportunities for Duluth East to shine. While many teams in the Twin Cities have access to indoor courts—a luxury Duluth East lacks—this team is determined to make the most of what they have.

Harriet Hill expresses optimism about how well the Greyhounds can adapt, reinforcing the belief that family encouragement plays a significant role in their success. As they continue to improve and grow, this close-knit team not only competes fiercely but also cherishes the family bonds that unite them.

So here’s to the Duluth East Greyhounds, where competition meets family love, and where every serve, volley, and match point tells a story of connection, hard work, and team spirit!

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