The women’s tennis team is off to a great start to the season with a record of 5-1. The Bobcats started the season 2-0 with dominant wins over Emmanuel and Valdosta State. In both of these early season conference clashes, sophomore Sofia Shing produced player-of-the-week performances. 

Shing, from Auckland, Australia, arrived at GC in Fall 2021 and immediately shined. She holds a career record of 48-25 for the Bobcats, including a spectacular 15-4 record last season. Shing holds a doubles record of 21-12 and a singles record of 27-13. 

Against Emmanuel, Shing swept both a doubles and a singles match 6-0. She won doubles 6-0 alongside teammate Shradha Chhabra and won 6-0 in singles over Emmanuel’s Soleny Gonzalez.  

Against Valdosta State, Shing went 2-0 again, with wins in both a doubles and singles match. She won doubles 6-3 alongside the same teammate, Shradha Chhabra, and won 6-1 in singles over Valdosta State’s Natalie Kohoutkova. 

Shing shared her thoughts on her performance against Valdosta State.  

“I think that I played very well,” Shing said. “It is one of the best matches I have played this season, though we have not played many matches.” 

Shing attributes her success to time.

“Having more experience, as this is my second season, as well as having two fall semesters.” 

Senior Emma Fleming commented on the effect Shing’s leadership has had on the team this season. 

“She has had a huge impact on the team since she has gotten here and continues to grow into a great player and great leader,” Fleming said. “She creates a positive atmosphere through pushing and motivating both herself and us, her teammates.” 

Shing said she planned to keep playing at this level by “playing with confidence and intensity while using what I learned from last season.” 

There is no doubt that the team is playing extremely well right now, and Shing is a dangerous asset on the court. The Bobcats are looking extremely strong during early season, non- conference play and will look to keep doing so.