High School brought something new into Maggie Feifar’s life.

A volleyball player since the first grade, Feifar wanted to try another sport her sophomore year at Niles High School.

Feifar grabbed a tennis racket and she hasn’t let go of her firm grip.

“I just thought it would be fun to try,” said Feifar, whose mother Kelly played high school tennis in Ohio. “I’m I glad I did.”

So is Niles girls tennis coach Jill Weber.

Feifer has contributed to the Vikings girls tennis as a No. 3 doubles player, a No. 1 doubles player and this year as a No. 1 singles player.

“I don’t think she’s ever taken lessons before so this is all that she’s learned about tennis,” Weber said. “To come through the ranks and be at No. 1 singles says a lot about her. She was at No. 1 doubles last year and they had a great season.

“It means a lot for her to step into this position (as a No. 1 singles player) with such a good attitude. I just tell the girls to watch Maggie because she fights so hard and that was proven (on April 28th against Edwardsburg). I’m just so proud of her.”

Feifer came up short in her bid for a third win this year against Edwardsburg’s Shania Ahmed. Ahmed won, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3.

Weber saw progress in Feifar’s play.

“Edwardsburg I understand is undefeated so I feel like that was a really big step for (Feifar),” the Niles coach said. “She played that girl in a scrimmage at the beginning of the year and lost pretty quickly. She’s shown great improvement.

Feifar also wasn’t discouraged after the loss.

“I felt I played well,” she said. “I felt I was at the same level with the girl I played. It was a pretty intense match.

“I played her in a scrimmage so I kind of new it was going to be difficult. I’m glad I hung in there.”

Plenty of eyes focused on the two girls as the match at No. 1 singles was the final match played in an 8-0 Edwardsburg win.

Feifar was asked about how it feels to be playing in the last match.

“It’s kind of hard,” Feifar said. “The nerves kind of kick in. It’s also kind of fun having everyone watch you. I’m usually the first one done.”
Going from doubles to singles hasn’t been easy for Feifer.

“It’s a lot different,” she said. “You really have to think where the lines are because doubles are different from singles. It’s a huge change.

“I just need to be consistent. I have a lot to improve on.”

In the future, only friends and family will play an improved Feifar on the tennis courts. She’s doesn’t plan on playing tennis in college.

“I love tennis even if I lose,” Feifar said. “It’s still fun.”