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[April 2017] Dimaio serves up success as tennis season approaches this upcoming spring

[April 2017] Dimaio serves up success as tennis season approaches this upcoming spring

By: Daniel Harizman ’19

As she tosses her bag aimlessly onto the cold tile floor of the kitchen, Alyssa Dimaio ’20’s phone lights up with a message reading, “Let’s hang out.” These three words ring in her head as Dimaio is forced to choose between a few hours of mingling and five more grueling hours of tennis training. She closes her phone without regret, gathers her tennis belongings and walks to the car.
Dimaio began her tennis career at the age of four, and despite the fact that she says she “wasn’t very good at it [back then],” she felt at home on the court.
“Now, my life basically revolves around [tennis]. It definitely affected my friends and school for sure because I miss a lot of school for tennis since I’m always traveling. It’s just very competitive and a huge commitment,” Dimaio said. “Tennis is so much fun, no matter what I always enjoy myself. It for sure can be hard at times but the one thing that motivates me is my passion for the sport.”
Claudia Fernandez ’20, a close friend of Dimaio’s, understands the incredible commitment Dimaio puts towards tennis. Fernandez’s understanding of tennis’ importance to Dimaio has led her to believe that her relentless effort and dedication “has paid off.”
“This, I believe, doesn’t really change our friendship because we see each other so frequently in school as well. If anything, it has probably strengthened our friendship,” Fernandez said.
The challenge of competing in an individual sport often leads many athletes to panic and perform slightly worse under pressure. But for Dimaio, this facet of the sport is what fuels her competitive nature and desire to win.
“[Tennis] definitely has taught me to be independent and think for myself,” she said. “When I’m out on the court and I’m losing or not playing to my potential, I have to think of new plans and self motivate myself in order to turn the match around.”
Dimaio’s relentless effort and commitment to the sport has helped her reach number one in the state of Connecticut in her age group for girls singles and attain a position on the New England team of competition three times.
“Alyssa Dimaio is an amazing player. She has an aggressiveness we need in the team. She can also bring a ton of experience as she does higher-level tournaments and even national tournaments,” Vanessa Mauricio ’17, varsity girls’ tennis captain, said. “I train with her and she’s always very motivating and upbeat. We think Alyssa can help us beat Darien this year and pull out another win for us [both within states and FCIACs].”
The Staples girls’ varsity tennis head coach, Paco Fabian, believes Dimaio will “bring stability to a high singles position for years to come.” Despite the ups and downs the sport of tennis has brought Dimaio, she remains satisfied with the decision she has made.
“I am happy I chose tennis because I love it so much and I have accomplished so many things. I would never want to change any of this.”

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