This year, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School Girls’  Tennis Team achieved remarkable success and showed what true dedication looks like. The season’s brightest moment came when the two team captains became PSAL champions. Mehribon.A dominated the tournament and earned 1st place, while her sister Samira.A secured 4th place among schools from Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Their victories did not only represent personal achievements they represented the strength, spirit, and determination of the entire FDR team.  But this story isn’t about two players. It’s about a group of girls who supported each other every step of the way from practices to tough matches against experienced opponents. In just one year, the team improved enough to compare with athletes who have been playing since childhood. That level of progress only happens when a team is united, hardworking, and motivated. 

Each player brought something unique to the lineup:

• 1st Singles – Aryna. Known for her calm focus and powerful forehand, Aryna set the tone for her team with her consistency at the top spot.
• 2nd Singles – Marina. Quiet but fierce, Marina often surprised opponents with her smart plays and strong serves. 
• 3rd Singles – Abigail.  Abigail brought energy and positivity to every match, always fighting for every point. 
• 1st Doubles – Mehribon  and Samira. As sisters and captains, their communication on the court was unbeatable. Their teamwork, trust, and strategy made them one of the best doubles pairs in the league.
• 2nd Doubles – Rukhshona and Asema.  Rukhshona ,who is also one of the captains that graduates this year, she was playing games with Asema. They are both known for their determination and quick reflexes, they improved rapidly throughout the season and became a dependable, steady pair. 

Together, these girls created a supportive environment where everyone pushed each other to grow. They celebrated wins together, learned from their mistakes, and continued to rise as a team!

Below, Mehribon shares her journey and experience with The New Dealer:

 How long have you been playing tennis?

“My sister and I started playing tennis at FDR when we were sophomores. It was our first time playing any sport. When we heard about the tennis team, we got really interested and decided to try. Even though we started a bit late, we were curious and determined to learn.

After our first season ended, we didn’t stop there. During the summer, we practiced every day for three to four hours. We never got tired because we were doing something we loved and wanted to get better at.”

 What part of your game improved the most this year?

“Last year, we didn’t really know how to play matches strategically. This year, we focused on that a lot more. Our hard work during the summer really helped us understand the game better.

Our coach also played a big role — she always told us what we needed to improve and how to fix our weaknesses. She reminded us that practice and match games are very different, and that helped us become stronger players.”

What role did your coach play in your success?

“She played a really big role in everything we achieved. She believed in us and supported us from the beginning. She knew that because we had the desire and worked hard, we would accomplish great things.

She’s an amazing coach who truly enjoys teaching and helping students grow. We’re very lucky to have her — she’s my first coach, and she really supported me and my sister when we were new.”

 How would you describe your team’s spirit this year?

“I’m very proud of how hard everyone worked during practices and matches. Our team is supportive and kind to one another. The girls always help each other and cheer each other on.  Even the new players are welcomed warmly — it really feels like a family.”

 What advice would you give to other student-athletes?

“My advice is: don’t give up just because you think you’re not doing well. Progress takes time and consistency.

Sometimes it feels like you’re improving only a little, but all those small steps will lead to something big. One day you’ll realize you’ve achieved your goal, and that’s the day you’ll feel like a champion.”

The FDR Girls’ Tennis Team’s season was more than wins – it was about dedication, growth, and teamwork. From Mehribon and Samira’s historic victories to the effort of every player, the team showed hard work and unity can turn beginners into champions. Their achievements will inspire future players to aim high and support one another!