This is Sideline Stories. A platform where NE10 student-athletes can share their collegiate experiences in an unfiltered environment - using their voices to promote growth and positive change in our league and in all of NCAA Division II athletics.

Alexxa Etienne, a sophomore on the Southern New Hampshire women's tennis team, shares what she is thankful for this season, while including thoughts from her teammates as well. Here is her Sideline Story:

It was an unforgettable season for us.

The team was composed of one senior, two sophomores, and five freshmen, and we made it to the playoff semifinal and had the opportunity to keep competing for a spot in the NCAA tournament. Even though we won’t be able to keep competing for a spot anymore, we had an incredible time on and off the court during our season.

We thought it would be a good idea to share some of the best memories from the girls on the team:

Alexxa Etienne: “I enjoyed being able to bond as well as we do, being able to bond so well with the men’s team, getting to travel with an amazing group of people and getting to know more cultures. What really amazed me was how we made friends for life within both teams, and how we all treat each other like family. Nothing could change that.”

Elizabeth Dwyer: “Getting to travel for spring break with both the women and men's team being all together and creating memories."

Mina Houge: "I enjoyed how our team bonded so well throughout the year."

Isabella Andrade: "I really enjoyed the van rides, singing along with the girls even though some of them fell asleep most of the time; also the incredible brownies after every match. My favorite thing though was doing the cheer and to share all those days with my teammates."

Samantha Cote: “Getting to meet and travel around with the team and getting to compete at a higher level with a team that made it even more enjoyable!"

Selin Seyfettinoglu: “What made our season great was all of the long van rides to the colleges and tournaments. It was an amazing bonding time with the team and included lots of laughing, karaoke and catching every bit of sleep before the game. Especially when sometimes questionable team songs hyped us up for the games and motivated us for the day."

Magdalena Hubickova: “What I enjoyed the most was that no matter if we lost or won, we stayed humble and together. At the beginning of our season we were five freshmen, we came as individuals from all around the world. Now we are leaving as a team; a team that I would never change or leave, a team that I know has my back."

We were all happy that we got the chance to travel to Florida for spring break and compete against top teams. We were all grateful for having the opportunity to all be playing together before we found out that our season would be cancelled due to this pandemic.

All of us being from different nationalities, it was hard to say goodbye since we won’t be able to see each other until next season, but we know that we will always be communicating with each other through all that is going on.

All we want to say is thank you to everyone that supported us from the start, and a special thank you to our amazing coach for all the hard work he has done. We can’t wait for next season!

Coming back stronger. Go Penmen!

- Alexxa Etienne/SNHU Women’s Tennis