Aubrey Figueroa, a freshman at Ayala High School, has already made her mark as the team captain of the Junior Varsity tennis team. Playing for the Bulldogs, her leadership and talents are remarkable, especially considering the fact that she is one of the youngest players on the team. Despite her age, Figueroa stepped up to the challenge, demonstrating what it takes to be a successful leader on the court.
When Figueroa was named team captain early in the season, she was taken by surprise. Nonetheless, she quickly embraced the responsibility of the role. Along with her co-captains, she meticulously organized team events while supporting her teammates. Her ability to balance all these responsibilities and still succeed as a player is proof of her dedication and maturity.
“I was pretty surprised when the coach announced the team captains, especially when he said that one captain would be a freshman,” Figueroa said.
One of the biggest challenges for any player is managing leadership duties while also performing as athletes, especially since captains are held to a higher standard. However, Figueroa has learned how to navigate both roles impressively.
“When I’m in a match, I’m entirely focused on the game,” Figueroa said. “I’ve found that I play best when I only focus on how I’m playing during a match. Once my match is done, I support my team and encourage them in their own games.”
Figueroa has many strengths, one of them being her ability to keep her teammates feeling motivated and positive. Whether they’re feeling nervous or discouraged, she is always there to offer encouragement.
“Aubrey is a very good captain who always takes care of the team and makes sure that we’re all in the right mindset to play,” teammate Floria Cao (9) said.
Figueroa’s leadership goes beyond her performance on the court; it’s her warm and encouraging personality that makes her stand out as a leader. She always creates a positive environment where anyone can get the support they need. This quality has had a strong impact on the players around her, who not only see her as a leader, but a friend that they can trust.
“Aubrey has a sweet and endearing personality on and off the court,” Arianna Chong (9) said. Her tennis skills have improved a lot this season and she truly is a great tennis player.”
Being a freshman captain hasn’t come without its challenges for Figueroa. Early in the season, she suffered a badly sprained ankle that forced her to sit on the sidelines for the second half of the year. While this setback was certainly frustrating, it taught her an important lesson about leadership.
“I really wanted to win a lot of matches for the team. However, I learned how to support the team from the sidelines with encouragement instead,” Figueroa said.
Figueroa’s leadership extends beyond her tennis skills. She strives to be a positive example for the other freshmen on the team.
“Good team captains communicate effectively, display positivity, and collaborate well with others,” Figueroa said. “I try to embody these qualities by listening to my team members and having a positive attitude.”
Though still early in her high school career, Figueroa has shown that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to display strong leadership. With a positive attitude and a commitment to her team, she is determined to continue making an impact both as a player and captain for the Ayala Bulldogs.
“Put yourself out there more and be more open to taking leadership in other aspects of life,” Figueroa said.
