By: Tim Davis
Hamilton, MI – On a chilly Saturday morning, April 19, the annual Julie Genzink Tournament took place on our home court.
It was a touching way to honor her every year. She was a tennis and volleyball lover and athlete, whose life was cut tragically short eight years ago at 19.
It was cold, but the vibes were amazing, full of emotions and healthy competition.
This year’s tournament was especially significant as the JV players were brought up to play with the varsity.
This became a strong mixture of talent and teamwork.
The highlight of the game came from the 2nd Singles, Kylie Rietema, who really hung in long matches and proved that she should be taken seriously.
Kylie Rietema especially worked on her cross-court angles in preparation for the tournament, a strategy that made a world of difference.
“I practiced my angles when I would hit crosscourt,” Rietema said.
“which that helped me out when they couldn’t run as fast or get to it as easily. I got a lot more points that way.”
It was this method that saw her ultimately prey on her rivals’ vulnerabilities, with points being won and momentum turned in the blink of an eye.
It all came to an end in a victory sweep for the team, Varsity in first and JV in a respectable second.
More than the victories, though, the event was a testament to the long-lasting effect Genzink had on the girls’ tennis program and the community at large.
The players didn’t just pay tribute to her; they bowed to the doors of teamwork, persistence, and smart play that carried them through the season.