The Accents Player of the Week is given to a student who demonstrates superior athletic abilities while also being an accommodating teammate. Senior Gianna Carbone is the next recipient as she has shown exceptional athletic achievement on the tennis court. IHA tennis finished its season with five wins, nine losses, and one tie. The team is a member of the North Jersey Non-Public A conference, which is a ten-team league. Gianna placed in first for singles on the IHA tennis team.

Gianna Carbone’19 shines on the tennis court. Photo courtesy of Mike Hamlett Photography.

Gianna began playing tennis when she was only six years old, and her grandfather was the one who taught her how to play. She instantly fell in love with the sport and developed into a shining tennis star. Gianna’s athletic skill has been utilized since her freshman year as she has been on Varsity all four years. In her senior campaign, Gianna won her singles matches against DePaul twice, Clifton, Wayne Hills, and Bergen Tech. She dominated both DePaul matches as she won the first 6-2 and 6-1, and the second 6-1 and 6-0.

Before a sporting event, athletes have various pregame rituals to get them pumped up for the upcoming occurrence. Gianna’s routines include listening to a particular playlist to get in the zone, huddling with her teammates, and filling her team with motivation. Sports allow you to foster a close-knit relationship with other students. An IHA sports team is equivalent to one big joyous family. Gianna has made so many friends and memories through the sport she loves. Gianna recalled her favorite memory as Senior Day. She remarks, “My favorite memory would have to be my Senior Day this year because I have been on Varsity since freshman year, and I have seen all of the past Senior Days and have always looked forward to mine. It was a very special day.”

Besides tennis, Gianna is a member of the Business Club, Fashion Merchandising and Design Club, and is involved in many community service organizations. Gianna plans on continuing her athletic career in college with club tennis. We wish Gianna the best of luck in the rest of her senior year and college!

By: Brooke Marotti’21, Sports Editor