And though the transition wasn’t that hard for Friedman, it wasn’t smooth sailing, either.

“It’s not like in other sports, where it takes a lot of time to get used to, but I think that’s because of the national exposure we get by playing in the USTA tournament,” Friedman said. “The speed of the game is pretty much the same, but on the varsity level you see bigger, more experienced players.”

The biggest challenge, though?

“Getting used to playing the older girls, by far,” Friedman said.

What has helped Friedman the most has been her teammates. On some squads, older players may be jealous and a little upset that a freshman would be named No. 1 singles, but that isn’t the case with the Hawks.

“Everyone on the team was so nice to me and so welcoming,” Friedman said. “It was actually kind of easy. We’re more of a family.”

Being the No. 1 singles player usually comes with the responsibility of leadership, but it hasn’t had to rest on the shoulders of the Hawks’ freshmen. Each of the team’s six seniors have helped as much as they can, and while some may come to Friedman for advice, she goes to them whenever she needs the same.

Having a freshman on board isn’t anything new for Maine South, however. Two current sophomores, Randi Wind and Nicole Dinkel, played up at the varsity level last year and were successful. Coach Jo Ann Bondi said the philosophy won’t be changing anytime soon.

“We wouldn’t put a girl on varsity if we didn’t think she could win and compete,” Bondi said. “We knew she could defeat some tough opponents, and it would be good for her to get the exposure.”

And the USTA experience has helped Friedman succeed this season.

“When I play USTA, I don’t get to play a lot of older girls, so playing upperclassmen is really good experience,” she said. “It makes me better and prepares me for future players. I try not to let it intimidate me too much, playing the older players. I think of it as I have nothing to lose, and go in thinking that way, and that I just need to try my hardest.”

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