SJ Sports: The Fab Four

After finishing second in the state during a stellar 2002 fall season, some may assume that the Cherry Hill East girls’ tennis players are enjoying a long winter break before they gear up for preseason in the summer. However, for most of East’s squad, tennis season never ends. That’s especially true for Jackie Herb, Charlotte Nagelberg, Christina Contrafatto and Leanne Silverman, the four remaining varsity starters from last season.

All high school athletes know that they will have to practice hard during their particular sporting season. But these top four stars returning to East’s court in 2003, make tennis a year-round commitment. According to Mike Perrone, a tennis trainer at the Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club, most of East’s varsity players are at the club every day either to train with a coach, go through a clinic or practice on their own.

Working at this club since 1989, Perrone feels as if he watched these girls grow up.

“When they start coming here, they are playing in tournaments for girls 12-and-under,” he said. “We teach them the proper strokes and help them grow into their game. And all of a sudden, we have a little girl that gets good really fast.”

Nagelberg is one of those little girls who grew up so quickly.

Her coach since she was in the fifth grade, Perrone watched Nagelberg progress into an all-star freshman, who played first singles for East.

Constant headaches forced Nagelbeg to reduce her practice schedule during her sophomore and junior years. Most likely due to the decreased intensity in her training, Nagelberg wound up playing first doubles. “She did her best with what was dealt with her and handled the situation well,” said Perrone.

Whether it is at singles or doubles, Nagelberg is still a force to be reckoned with on the court. Nagelberg knows that she will only get stronger her senior year.

Content provided by South Jersey Sports Club.

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Author: SJ Sports Club-Grace Hagan