Tennis was in Mae’s blood—that’s how she had felt about it ever since she first picked up a racket at the age of five. And now, here she was, captain of her high school tennis team. By all rights, she should feel on top of the world—and she did, all last season, but this season was different. To begin with, Coach Hunt had retired and Coach Miller had replaced him, a fiery x-local tennis star who thought all her players should have one thing in common: a “killer instinct.” She wanted her players to think of their opponents as their enemies and to do “whatever it takes” to win. Mae was a strong player—maybe even the strongest on the team—but she wasn’t exactly a “killer” on the court. So Coach Miller wasn’t too thrilled with Mae, who felt the coach’s constant critical stare every time she hit the ball.
“Come on, Mae, try and concentrate,” her teammate Lindsay gently scolded from across the net as Mae walloped an easy forehand way out of bounds.
Ashleigh and Barb came over just then to practice their doubles game, and Mae stepped up to the service line to serve. The first ball she hit slammed her doubles partner, Ashleigh, square in the back. “Hey, watch it!” she barked.
Mae mumbled an apology, “I’m sorry, my heart’s just not in this.” Mae caught sight of the coach way at the other end of the courts and decided to confide in the other girls. “In fact,” she said with a sigh, “I’m actually thinking of quitting.”
Of course, her teammates all tried to talk Mae out of it, telling her that she was the best player and that they all looked up to her. Leaving the court that day, Mae was so confused, she decided to stop off to see her English teacher, Mrs. Bardsley, who was staying late grading papers.
After Mae described the situation, her teacher put her red pen down and leaned back in her chair before speaking. “I’ve known you for 2 years, Mae, and I’ve never seen you so miserable as during this tennis season.” Tears pooled in Mae’s eyes as she heard the truth of the woman’s words. Mrs. Bardsley went on: “Something they never tell you is that sometimes it’s okay to quit.”
“Are you serious?” Mae asked, feeling like she’d just been given permission to breathe again.
“Absolutely,” her teacher affirmed, adding in a whisper, “especially because I overheard in the teacher’s lounge that your old coach, Mr. Hunt, will be coming out of retirement to coach you girls next year.”
That was the greatest news Mae had heard in years! Thanking Mrs. Bardsley profusely, she dashed out of the room and quickly ran the 10 blocks home. There, she typed up a note to her coach, telling her why she was quitting: “I’m willing to change just about anything about my game to be a better tennis player,” Mae wrote, “except my personality. That part is fine just like it is.”
9
Select ALL the correct answers.
In which two ways is Mae's discussion with Mrs. Bardsley important to the development of a central theme in the story?
It highlights a sense of relief for Mae in the midst of a stressful situation.
It shows Mae that she has harbored resentment toward her new tennis coach.
It reveals Mae's concern for what her family and friends will think of her if she quits playing tennis.
It establishes Mae's preference for people who lead with kindness rather than harshness.
It provides an opportunity for Mae to learn that she can do something different than what is expected.
The correct answers are:
- It highlights a sense of relief for Mae in the midst of a stressful situation.
- It establishes Mae's preference for people who lead with kindness rather than harshness.
- It provides an opportunity for Mae to learn that she can do something different than what is expected.