Serving Up Shih

Name: Sophie Shih 

Grade: Senior 

Position: Second Doubles 

Hand Dominance: Righty 

Height: 5’3

Hair Color: Dyed Dark Brown 

Eye Color: Brown 

Date of Birth: May 28, 2008 

When and how did you start playing tennis? How long have you been on the Lady Lobsters, Stuyvesant’s Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, and what inspired you to join?

I started playing when I was around 11 or 12 and joined the Lady Lobsters my freshman year. I’ve always loved tennis and thought it would be a great way to meet people since the season started before school did. 

Which matches do you play, how did you end up with it, and what specific skills/strengths are required?

I play doubles with my teammate (and Little Sib!), Sydney Ma. Doubles is so much fun, because I was used to tennis being a very individual sport. With a doubles partner, there is a lot of communication throughout the point, and often, the points get very intense. 

What is your favorite Lady Lobsters memory?

During my first season, we all agreed that the Riverside Park courts are cursed. Every time we played at those courts, there was some sort of weather catastrophe. One time, it suddenly started pouring rain; another time, it was a crazy hurricane, and large branches began falling onto the court. It was definitely a bonding experience. 

In your opinion, what are the best and worst parts of tennis?

Best parts: It’s both a mental and physical game—like physical chess. You will never get two balls that come at you the same way, and there’s a lot of strategy that goes into building each point.

Worst parts: It’s a highly individual sport. There’s not much teamwork besides doubles. This also makes it very mentally challenging. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Imagining all your shots before a match definitely helps. My doubles partner and I like to huddle after warming up with our opponents to discuss each of their weaknesses and our strategy. 

What is something that you have overcome or are working to improve as a tennis player? 

I can definitely improve my match play and point construction. I forget to keep my mind engaged and could be smarter about the placement of my shots. 

Has being captain changed your outlook on tennis? What did the role entail?

I’ve learned that because tennis is such an individual sport, it’s even more important to foster support and conversations on the sidelines and make the most out of practices to foster team spirit. It also means talking to and reassuring players, understanding that losses can be tough since matches are individual efforts. 

What are some lessons tennis has taught you?

In tennis, you’ll realistically only win around half of all the points you play. I learned it’s important not to let a bad game or match distract me from the point at play. 

Do you have any plans to continue fencing in the future or in college? 

Yes! I would love to play club tennis. 

What tips do you have for the Lady Lobsters for their next season? 

Let’s go, Lady Lobsters!! I hope you guys can come up with a better chant next season … Anything but “Balls of steel!”... 

Fun Questions:

Funniest Teammate: Amalie Bay 

Favorite Tennis Team/Player: Carlos Alcaraz (been a fan since 2021!)

Favorite Stroke: Backhand approach

Favorite Type of Racket: Wilson Shift

Favorite Sports Drink: Sweet iced tea drink from the Pier 40 vending machine.

Favorite Post-Game Meal/Snack: Shin Ramen

Playing on Full or Light Stomach: Light stomach 

Hobbies: Dance and reading

Tennis Pet Peeve: When people take forever to serve!

If You Could Play Any Other Sport: Soccer

If you Could Rename your team: Stuy Octopi 

Fun Fact: I’m a physics enthusiast!