For junior Melissa Coughlin, tennis has been a lifelong passion.

”I've just always liked it,“ Coughlin said. ”My Uncle Mark got me started when I was 7 and from there I signed up for lessons. I love playing the game. Everything about it is exciting. It is very emotional when you win and it is a good feeling to know you played well.“

When Coughlin was in seventh grade, she went out for the Auburn High varsity girls team.

”I heard that you could go out for the team,“ Coughlin said. ”It was really tough, but I was excited when I made the team. I thought ‘Wow I'm on the varsity team.' It was really exciting.“

Coach Shelly Swartele said from the first tryout, she saw Coughlin's potential.

”Her tennis stroke, when you look at her stroke it is text book,“ Swartele said. ”She is very coachable. She listens well and takes everything you say and tries to use it whether it is in a game or in practice.“

Coughlin said her first season was a little intimidating, but with her teammates' support, it was an easy transition.

”I was nervous at competitions,“ Coughlin said. ”I was shy on the court my first year, but I got more comfortable. The team is very comfortable and all of the other girls are very warming. We're very close and we help each other improve and we cheer each other on. That really makes a difference and helps you do better.“

Swartele said over the past four years, there has been a marked improvement in Coughlin's game as well as her mental approach.

”There have been huge improvements,“ Swartele said. ”She keeps learning more about the game. She is able to beat people that beat her when she was younger. She has a good knowledge of the game. Instead of hitting the ball back she is able to see what her opponent is doing and put the ball where they can't get it. She can beat them using their weaknesses.“

That's a goal Coughlin set for herself at the beginning of the season.

”I set a goal this year to not lose more than three matches,“ Coughlin said. ”I knew there were players that I was going to have to change my game against and make it work.“

Coughlin attributes this to her year-round commitment and the support of those around her.

”My parents and my coaches really encourage me to succeed,“ Coughlin said. ”They've all been wonderful and helped a lot this season. I play indoor year round with my coach, Kenny Wilcox. Playing all the time really helps a lot. I tried to take a couple of weeks off, but I couldn't do it. I love playing too much. I have to be active.“

With Wilcox, Coughlin has the opportunity to play in USTA events, which she said has helped prepare her for varsity matches.

”You are playing against all-stars every day,“ Coughlin said. ”They are all different players and you have to step your game up. It is very important to keep your game up and go out and keep competing all year.“

Coughlin's game was an important part in the Maroons' success this season, going 7-7 and securing a team spot in sectionals, where they lost Monday night to Fayetteville-Manlius. Coughlin earned her second straight appearance with a 4-0 record in first singles at individual sectionals.

Last year, Coughlin was bumped out after a first-round loss to F-M, which is a huge motivation.

”It was sad last year,“ Coughlin said. ”But this year I've been training harder and I think I can get past the first round this year if I work hard enough.“

Swartele believes this is not far out of Coughlin's reach.

”I hope she gets a good draw,“ Swartele said. ”F-M and Central Square are tough schools, but she's beat some players this year that beat her last year, so I think if she gets a good draw she will be OK.“

Having made it this far, Coughlin is hopeful about her chances.

”It is all luck of the draw,“ Coughlin said. ”I think I can do better this year and not lose in the first round. I think I can get farther.“

But no matter which way it goes, Coughlin, an honors student, still has some lofty goals she has every intention of achieving.

”I only have one year left of high school,“ Coughlin said. ”I am hoping to graduate early. But I still want to get in more tournaments and get ranked and I want to have a better record on varsity. There are a lot of scholarships out there and if I keep working at it hopefully tennis will help and I can go where ever it takes me.“