Designing your study space for success, start the new school year off right

Woman reading a book in her den
Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
SNS - Are you embarking on the next leg of your academic journey? Your environment plays a pivotal role and it's essential to carve out a space that enhances focus. By choosing to create a productive study nook, you're prioritizing success.

What elements define an effective learning alcove? From natural light to personal touches, every detail counts.

Consequently, a tailored corner can differentiate between mediocre and exceptional results. This guide will explore strategies, from choosing the ideal spot to personalizing for maximum efficiency. Let's transform that corner into a powerhouse for knowledge absorption!

Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Study Nook Productive
A productive learning corner begins with natural light. Indeed, sunlight boosts mood and alertness. However, the location is equally crucial. Opt for quiet, distraction-free zones. Next, make it distinctly yours.

Personal touches not only elevate aesthetics but also kindle motivation. Yet, a simple desk or quiet atmosphere isn't enough. It's the blend of these elements that forges a high-performing study alcove. So, as you design, remember to harmonize functionality with individuality. Ultimately, these basics lay the foundation for a successful learning environment.

Choosing the Perfect Spot
Selecting an ideal location is paramount. Firstly, ponder the foot traffic. Busy areas can be distracting. However, a secluded corner might feel isolating.

Next, weigh the noise level. After all, consistent interruptions break concentration—moreover, accessibility matters. You'll want essentials within arm's reach. Whether it's a bedroom corner, a living room space, or even an attic, each has its merits.

Conversely, each presents unique challenges. A converted closet, for instance, offers privacy but might lack natural light. Pinpointing the right spot combines preference, practicality, and purpose.

Essential Elements of a Study Nook
Some elements are non-negotiable to create a productive study nook. Firstly, invest in ergonomic furniture. A comfortable chair and desk foster prolonged focus. Next, consider storage. Shelves, bins, and pegboards prevent clutter.

Additionally, technology, such as a computer, is indispensable.

Lighting also plays a pivotal role. So, layer ambient, task, and accent lights for optimal illumination. As for personal touches, they're more than mere aesthetics. They infuse warmth, making the space inviting. It is one way to make your study sanctuary a productivity hub by uniting function with design.

Personalization and Inspiration
Crafting your learning enclave goes beyond the basics. Firstly, dive into color psychology. Soft hues can induce focus, while vibrant tones inspire creativity. Wall art, peppered with motivational quotes for calendars, serves dual purposes: decoration and motivation. Adding plants, on the other hand, introduces an element of serenity. Besides, they improve air quality, offering subtle health benefits.

Make deliberate choices to elevate an ordinary study space into a personalized hub of inspiration. Your alcove should resonate with you. Blending aesthetics with functionality creates a conducive environment for growth and learning.

Keeping the Space Organized
Maintaining an organized learning retreat is vital.

First, embrace daily decluttering habits. A clean space amplifies focus. Next, you should apply labels to bins and folders, which is especially crucial for multi-subject study sessions. For kids, consider some storage ideas to save space, like wall-mounted baskets or over-the-door organizers.

Additionally, utilize the '15-minute rule': Spend a quarter-hour tidying up after studying. Use containers to segregate supplies, simplifying your routine. Hence, cleanliness isn't just about aesthetics; it's a productivity catalyst. By staying organized, you ensure that your educational hideaway remains a sanctuary for efficient learning.

Additional Elements to Boost Productivity
Enhancing your academic refuge requires more than just furniture and aesthetics.

Soundproofing is a game-changer, especially in noisy homes. It fosters undisturbed concentration.

Consider using time-management tools when you have a hard time focusing. Timers, for instance, can structure breaks and study stretches.

Curated playlists with ambient tunes can set the mood, helping your mind zero in. For the tech-savvy, various productivity apps can be invaluable allies. Incorporating these elements transforms your learning zone into an efficiency powerhouse.

While seemingly minor, each add-on elevates productivity, ensuring you get the most out of every study session.

Adjusting for Different Age Groups
Tailoring your learning corner to age is crucial. For young learners in elementary school, vibrant themes and tactile tools reign supreme. Additionally, middle schoolers often navigate the shift from hands-on to tech-integrated study methods. A balanced blend of tools and gadgets proves optimal.

On the other hand, high school and college attendees demand a focus on tech, books, and career aids.

As responsibilities mount, adaptability becomes essential. Understanding these age-specific nuances ensures the study space evolves with its users. By doing so, you guarantee each learning stage has its supportive sanctuary.

Overcoming Common Study Nook Challenges
Addressing challenges in crafting your study oasis is pivotal.

Limited space? Turn to vertical storage or foldable furniture. Moreover, budget constraints don't mean compromising quality. Thrift shopping and DIY hacks can yield stunning results. In households bustling with multiple learners, shared spaces pose unique dilemmas. Setting schedules or creating designated zones can smooth out potential conflicts.

You should also consider multi-functional furniture to maximize utility. Each hurdle, when tackled creatively, can lead to innovative solutions. Taking time to confront these challenges head-on will pave the way for a seamless, effective learning hub.

Wrapping it up, the journey to create a productive study nook unveils layers of intention and design. Understanding the essentials lays the groundwork and personalized touches that transforms the space to an effective nook.

Confronting challenges will refine your approach. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, the commitment to learning will make the space invaluable. As the academic landscape shifts, so should our study sanctuaries. Ultimately, a well-crafted nook is more than just a corner; it's a testament to one's dedication to growth.

Are you ready to craft a sanctuary to transform your learn experience?


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Prep Sports Notebook | Area prep football and volleyball gets underway

SJO's Peyton Williams
St. Joseph-Ogden senior Peyton Williams pounds the ball past St. Anne's Maria Mendez and Kylie Toepfer during set one of their non-conference game on Wednesday, August 23. The Spartans won easily by way of a 25-7, 25-15 decision.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Williams serves notice
ST. JOSEPH - Peyton Williams gave a serving clinic last Wednesday notching five aces against visiting St. Anne. The Spartans dominated all aspects of the game against the Cardinals to earn their second win of the season, 2-0.

Williams was credited with seven kills across two sets and had three digs to help SJO defensively. Senior Addie Roesch delivered another six kills and chalked up four digs. Halle Brazelton kept the ball in play with her five digs and distributed 13 assist for the Spartans.


Seggebruch steps up
BISMARCK - Junior Ava Seggebruch hammered four kills to help St. Joseph-Ogden pick up win number 3 this season via 25-12, 29-27 win over host Bismarck-Henning. Once again, Peyton Williams led the Spartans' offensive effort amassing seven kills, two aces, and six digs. Fellow senior Addie Roesch had three kills, three digs, and matched Williams in the serving department with a pair of aces against the Blue Devils.

Setter Halle Brazelton was in near perfect form with 17 assists.


#4 ranked Unity victorious
TOLONODane Eisenmenger completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns to lead Unity to a 27-12 victory against Prairie Central at Hicks Field on Friday in Illini Prairie Conference football. The Rockets enter 2023 ranked #4 in the preseason poll by the Associated Press.
SJO knocks off Sages
ST. JOSEPH - Heading into Friday night's annual opener against Monticello, the SJO football suffered seven losses in their last ten meetings on the gridiron against the Sages. When the lightning-delayed game concluded after midnight, senior starting quarteback Logan Smith had scored five times and threw a 31-yard TD to elevate the Spartans' in a 40-14 romp.

Smith led SJO's offensive effort with 102 rushing yards and 163 passing. Running back Justice Wertz finished with 67 yards on 12 carries, and speedy Tim Blackburn-Kelly got the call seven times for 38 of St. Joseph-Ogden's 418 total yards.


Tigers fall in their return to prep football
The Urbana football team played their first varsity game in three years on Saturday. The Tigers kicked off their return with on a road game at Centennial.

The Chargers scored 49 unanswered points before the Tigers finally scored twice in the fourth quarter. UHS, who will face Peoria Notre Dame this Friday, dropped the season opener to Centennial, 49-14.

"We will try to get better," said head coach Curtis Blanden after the game. "Rome wasn't built in a day. It's going to take some time and I have the time to do it."


Attention high school coaches: Help us recognize our area prep athletes each week. Please send game scores and stats to us for freshman, junior varsity, and varsity games. Send game, race and match results and weekly stats to sports@oursentinel.com.

When kids have questions about their bodies, you can have all the answers


"Try not to shy away from these conversations or make your child feel ashamed for asking a question about their body."
StatePoint Media - Children have a lot of questions about the way the world works and parents hope to have straightforward answers. But when it comes to questions regarding the body, parents and kids alike can find these conversations awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassing. Experts say that destigmatizing a child’s curiosity about their body will not only help them take better care of their health, it may even spark their interest in science.

"Kids have so many questions about their bodies, some practical, some pure curiosity. Sadly, society sometimes chastises children for even asking these questions. By better understanding their bodies though, they can adopt good habits that stay with them for life, and learn about physics and biology in a fun way," says David L. Hu, Ph.D., a professor at Georgia Institute of Technology and author of "The P Word: A Manual for Mammals."

Dr. Hu, an award-winning scientist, animal expert and author, wrote "The P Word" for his 10-year old son, who like many children his age, is eager to learn more about his body. While previous books dealing with this topic are written with teenagers in mind, Dr. Hu believes it’s important for younger kids to enter puberty already having all the facts about their biology. His book, meant for ages 7-12, introduces the penis as an organ that unites all biologically male mammals. It’s meant to serve as a gender-neutral, definitive resource about the penis for kids, providing tools kids need to recognize and name their body parts, understand when something might be wrong and practice good hygiene.

If you’re a parent of a curious kid, or a parent of a child who hasn’t yet voiced their questions, Dr. Hu offers the following tips:

1. Try not to shy away from these conversations or make your child feel ashamed for asking a question about their body. Keep in mind that many children will turn to the internet for answers if you aren’t open to answering their questions, where they may encounter false information or inappropriate content. Instead, acknowledge their curiosity by answering their questions as best you can, and by pointing them to trustworthy resources.

2. Don’t wait until your child reaches puberty. If you start talking to kids about their bodies when they are young, you’ll normalize and desensitize the subject, and the act of talking about it. Helping a child feel comfortable in their own skin before things start to change, will set the stage for less stress during puberty.

3. Help kids understand that their body is natural and normal. In “The P Word,” Dr. Hu intentionally presents colorful, engaging images and facts about different mammals around the globe alongside information about human bodies, including how animals use their penises to pee, mark their territory and reproduce. “Comparative biology makes learning fun and amusing, lightens the mood around a serious subject, helps young kids understand their place in nature, and offers insights into the role of their penis or vagina outside the role of sex,” says Dr. Hu.

A valuable resource for parents, librarians, educators and of course, kids, more information about “The P-Word” can be found by visiting sciencenaturally.com/product-page/the-p-word-a-manual-for-mammals.

"My hope is that kids realize that every question they have, no matter how embarrassing it is, can be addressed by the tools of science. They should be proud of being curious about their own bodies," Dr. Hu.


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 Guest Commentary | Biden, Trump and World issues, fervor or fever?

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Every day in America we hear the names of Biden and Trump mentioned on various news television or radio stations. We daily hear about the struggles of Ukraine and Russia. Border security, illegal immigrants, inner city issues and China are almost daily themes.

How could we ever get through a day in America without hearing these ongoing names, themes and issues? It doesn’t seem like we can especially if we daily watch the national news.

Many of us don’t want to live with our heads in the sand thinking the world is a cozy place with everyone living in unity. Most of us understand the world has problems and political personalities that we either admire or abhor or can’t live without. However, most of us have our breaking point when it comes to the daily fodder of political jockeying, mudslinging and media grids committed to swaying how you are supposed to feel about different candidates or world problems.

Recently, I attended my high school senior class reunion and thoroughly enjoyed the gathering of old classmates. We caught up on old times, old ballgames, previous teachers and administrators as well as how life is going today. We remembered those who are already deceased and heard some funny stories and jokes. We shared food together and enjoyed small talk, laughs and some hugs. The line often repeated throughout the evening was, “You sure are looking good.” This was an honest compliment for the most part because old friends always look good. An old classmate or someone who shared years of school history with you is typically a welcomed sight.

I couldn’t help but noticing as the evening wound down that I didn’t hear anybody wanting to argue about politics or political candidates. I didn’t hear anyone worried that China might invade Taiwan. There wasn’t discussion about our border or America’s growing homeless crisis. Our two plus hours was spent simply enjoying each other, reminiscing and having a few laughs. A lot of good admiring words where shared between people making for an enjoyable evening. We had a two-hour successful gathering that didn’t involve the top news stories of the week or the bad stuff that we hear about every day.

Taking a break of from all of the mainstream daily tensions that divide many of us would be a novel idea for all of us. Take a break from it all, at least occasionally. Just focus on kindness, friendship, helping people and being good to each other.

You’ll have ample opportunity to express your frustrations when you vote or when you decide to watch a political debate. There are plenty of those coming. If you start feeling like you are an indifferent and detached from reality, then you can always turn on the evening news to have your fervor or fever reignited.


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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Business | Solid advice on how to attract top-tier employees for your small business

Photo:Mina Rad/Unsplash
StatePoint Media - As most business owners know, one of the most valuable assets your enterprise needs to thrive is top-notch talent. Thanks to the University of Illinois, a world-class university in the community, Champaign-Urbana has a large pool of educated, strong candidates available.

With one in four U.S. adults currently looking for a new job, the right people are out there, it’s just a matter of connecting with them. According to CareerBuilder, here’s how to make your company attractive to job seekers and how to leverage tools to find them:

• Make room for growth: A recent survey from CareerBuilder and Morning Consult finds that when it comes to what’s most important to job seekers, it’s “good salary/benefits and interesting work.”

Give potential employees confidence that working for you will allow them to take care of their finances, provide for their families and do work that they are proud of.

Before posting the position, first seek out industry insights to ensure your compensation package is competitive.

Also ensure that you’re offering a clear path for growth. During the interview process, let candidates know that if they are hired, you will invest the time and energy in seeing them develop professionally.

"Employers must get creative in their approach to skill development and training as a way to fill the existing skills gap and accelerate promotions," says Kristin Kelley, chief marketing officer, CareerBuilder.

• Find your purpose: A people-oriented, purpose-driven work culture can help you not only attract great job candidates, but retain employees.

"Companies with a powerful mission, who also value their employees will stand the test of time. Creating an environment where people can thrive is equally important," says Kelley.

• Be flexible: If the nature of your business allows for it, consider embracing new technologies that allow you to implement flexible work experiences, such as remote or hybrid work. Giving your employees the option to work from home is a key benefit that will attract talent, plus it could potentially broaden your pool nationwide or even internationally.

• Turn to easy-to-use hiring platforms: Finding the best fit for a given position can be extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, hiring software featuring industry-leading technology can make the process much smoother and more efficient. For example, CareerBuilder offers recruiting solutions that allow you to target your ideal job seekers with custom campaigns, build your talent pipeline, and source and screen candidates in a fraction of the time. The platform allows employers to quickly create highly visible job postings in one central hub where 140 million resumes and social profiles reside, search for job candidates 50% faster and reduce the overall hiring time by more than 30%. For more information, visit hiring.careerbuilder.com.

Talent acquisition is just one of a business owner’s many priorities. With the right mindset, strategies and tools, you can attract the best candidates for your business and bring them on board quickly.


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Letting it all out, SJO football team opens season dominating rival Sages

Junior Tanner Seims
St. Joseph - Tanner Seims lets out a celebratory roar after hauling in a 31-yard pass from St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback Logan Smith seven seconds into the second quarter of their team's home opener against Monticello. It was the 6'4", 185-pound juniors only catch of the evening as the Spartans rolled on to a 40-14 win. Game photo gallery and Sentinel recap on the way.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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While the final team score was lopsided shutout, the St. Joseph-Ogden tennis team fought an uphill battle against their more experiened opponents from Maroa-Forsyth on Tuesday, August 15. The Spartans suffered losses ...

St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team wins season opener at Maroa

After dropping the first set by a two-point decision at 26-24 to host Maroa-Forsyth, the all upperclasswomen roster from St. Joseph-Ogden seized ...


St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team wins season opener at Maroa

SJO's Peyton Williams was all smiles before the start of last fall's home game against Marshall. The Spartans declawed the visiting Lions, 25-13, 25-9. This week, she opened her final season with 16 kills on Monday against Maroa-Forsyth. Photo: PhotoNews Media Archives
MAROA - After dropping the first set by a two-point decision at 26-24 to host Maroa-Forsyth, the all upperclasswomen roster from St. Joseph-Ogden seized the next two sets, notching the team's first road win of the season in their opener against the Trojans.

Led by Peyton Williams' 16 kills, SJO won the second set 25-17 and took the decider, 25-19 on Monday. Willams, one of eight seniors on this year's squad, also collected four aces and six digs for the Spartans.

Addie Roesch, a senior, logged six digs, ten kills and a pair of aces. Sadie Ericksen, also in the Class of 2024, was credited with eight digs and two aces. Setter Halle Brazelton recorded 24 assists to start the season.



SJO volleyball nearly cruises past visiting St. Anne

23vb_SJO-vs-St_Anne_32
St. Joseph-Ogden's Ava Seggebruch (left) and Reese Wheatley leap above the net attempting to block a kill by St. Anne's T'Ayla Crite-Jackson during game one of their non-conference game on Wednesday. The Spartans defeated the visiting Cardinals in two sets 25-7, 25-15, to win their home opener. Off to a 2-0 start, SJO defeated Maroa-Forsyth 2-1 on the road on Monday to kick off the 2023-24 season.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks



Spartan tennis team comes up short in season opener against the Trojans

URBANA - While the final team score was lopsided shutout, the St. Joseph-Ogden tennis team fought an uphill battle against their more experiened opponents from Maroa-Forsyth on Tuesday, August 15. The Spartans suffered losses on all nine courts, three doubles and six singles matches, to fall 9-0 to the visiting Trojans.

Addison Seggebruch led the SJO's singles match effort, winning seven of her 19 games against Maroa-Forsyth's Katherine Nilles.


Tennis player Addison Ross
Addison Ross talks about her double match with partner Makennah Hamilton after their loss to Kristen Tuan and Katherine Nilles from Maroa-Forsyth. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

"It was my first match. I thought I did pretty well," Seggebruch said after her match. "Overall, I thought I did a pretty good job hanging in there."

Playing at #2 singles, the senior lost the first set 6-3 and capitalized as often as she could in the second, carding four more games using her serve as a weapon.

"I felt like there were a few serves she (Nilles) wasn't able to return," she explained, talking about exploiting her opponent's obvious weaknesses. "I had a few really good forehands, and I feel like that threw her off a little bit.

Despite dropping the second set, 6-4, Saggebruch, who started playing in 2022, gave a solid effort against her more seasoned opponent. One of her goals this season is to collect more W's.

"This year, my goal is to win more matches, try to improve, and get better," she said.

Later, MaKennah Hamilton and Addison Ross squared off against the Trojans' top doubles crew. The duo dropped their #1 doubles match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

"It didn't go the way we wanted, but we did learn a lot," said Addison Ross, a sophomore playing her second season for SJO. "They were much more experienced than us. They hit harder, but we did learn something from this.

Playing her second year with Ross, Hamilton said despite the two-set shutout against Maroa-Forsyth veterans Kristen Tuan and Katherine Nilles, she believes they are improving.

"I think we hustled more than we have in the past," she explained, recounting a few plays from the match. "They just kept hitting a lot of corners we couldn't get to."

Not long after the loss, the pair had already figured out what the needed to work on this week to prepare upcoming matches. Unfortunately, the heatwave that started on Tuesday this week has kept a lid on training and match play for the Spartans due to heat protocols set by the IHSA.

Ross said her plan was to work on returning serves. "It is kind of my weak spot."

Meanwhile, Hamilton plans to work on her shot selection and placement.

"More experienced teams are going take your shots and hit them down the line, and you can't get to them," she said. "Hitting them where they're not is definitely something we need to work on."

Box Score

Maroa-Forsyth - 9 - St. Joseph-Ogden - 0

Singles:
No. 1 - Ella Sandgren, Maroa-Forsyth def. Caroline Aden, SJO, 6-0, 6-0
No. 2 - Katherine Nilles, Maroa-Forsyth def. Addison Seggebruch, SJO, 6-3, 6-4
No. 3 - Isabella Griffiths, Maroa-Forsyth def. Madison Clampitt, SJO, 6-1, 6-3
No. 4 - Briana Skouras, Maroa-Forsyth def. Lauren Lannert, SJO, 6-2, 6-2
No. 5 - Jasmeet Kaur, Maroa-Forsyth def. Ella Dieteker, SJO, 6-2, 6-0
No. 6 - Hana Qidan, Maroa-Forsyth def. Sonia Patel, SJO, 6-0, 6-2

Doubles:
No. 1 - Kristen Tuan/Katherine Nilles, Maroa-Forsyth def. MaKennah Hamilton/Addison Ross, SJO, 6-0, 6-0
No. 2 - Isabella Nilles/Alexis Nilles, Maroa-Forsyth ef. Lily Rice/Samantha Kelso, SJO, 6-0, 6-0
No. 3 - Aubra Timmons/Shokrea Qidan, Maroa-Forsyth def. Emma Thurman/Olivia Getty, SJO, 6-1, 7-5




Champaign-Urbana Labor Day Tournament registration deadline next Tuesday

Nick LeVanti, from Champaign, hits a volley during his mixed-doubles match on August 17 at Atkins Tennis Center. Teamed with Claire Kaye (not pictured), the pair were partners during a summer league match. At the beginning of September dozens of competitive tennis players from the area will square off for a shot at taking home the Champaign Park District Labor Day Tournament title.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN - The Champaign Park District will host its annual Labor Day Tennis Tournament on September 3-4 at Lindsey Courts in Champaign. It's not the US Open in Flushing Meadows, but dozens of top amateur players will hit the hardcourt in CU's version of a tennis major for a shot at a 2023 title.

The deadline for entry into this year's tournament is at 5 pm, Tuesday, August 29. Players can register online at https://champaignparks.com/programs/tennis/. This year's entry fee is just $28 for singles and $22 for each player entering the doubles divisions.

The draw for all divisions will be emailed to all participants on September 1. For more information, contact the tournament director and Park District head tennis professional Yuri Sohn at (217) 819-3993 or by email at yuri.sohn@champaignparks.org.

Adult Divisions are:

Singles:
Beginner/Intermediate Singles Open (2.0-2.5)
Men’s Open Singles
Women’s Open Singles
Men’s 35 and over Singles
Women’s 35 and over Singles
Men’s 45 and over Singles
Men’s 55 and over Singles
Men’s 65 and over Singles
Men’s 70 and over Singles

Doubles:
Men’s Open Doubles
Women’s Open Doubles
Men’s 35 and over Doubles
Women’s 35 and over Doubles
Mixed Open Doubles

Junior Divisions:

Boys 12 and under Singles
Girls 12 and under Singles
Boys 14 and under Singles
Girls 14 and under Singles
Boys 16 and under Singles
Girls 16 and under Singles


Urbana tennis team ready to face all challengers this fall

Urbana senior Lorelei Yau practices her backhand groundstroke during the Tigers' second practice of the season. The program looks to improve on last year's success and has its sights set on sending several players to state this fall.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

URBANA - The Urbana High School girls' tennis team hopes to become the most-improved program in the Big 12 Conference this fall. The Tigers will take the first step toward that goal next Saturday at the multi-team Charger Invite.

"We are striving to be the most-improved team from day one until the end of the season," said Tigers' head coach Parker Sands on Tuesday during the team's second day of practice. Rain on Monday forced his first practice indoors to kick off his fifth season at the helm of the program. "We have already started practicing and giving our best effort every day. We will easily be the most-improved team in the conference."

Alisa Tangmunarunkit, UHS' top singles player, returns to the team as captain this fall. As a junior last fall, she went 2-1 at the Centennial sectional tournament in the singles division.

After plowing by Centennial's Yehyun Nam in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6, for her first victory, Tangmunarunkit outlasted Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley's Katie Steidinger in thrilling three-set affair, 6 - 3, 5 - 7, 6 - 2, for another win. Her singles season came to a close via a two-set shutout loss to 5th-seed CiCi Brown from Danville.

Seniors Eisla Madigan, Luna Morales, and Lorelei Yau also return to the lineup. All three were sectional finalist in 2022.

Lurking underneath their seemingly laid back disposition and genuine smiles is a intense competitive drive to reckoned with.

Luna Morales and Lorelei Yau run during tennis practice

Lorelei Yau (left) and fellow senior Luna Morales jog side-by-side in a friendly race during the Tigers' conditioning practice on Tuesday at Blair Park.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Morales doesn't hide her aggressive play on the court. When she plays, the need to win runs courses through her veins.

"I feel like that is one of my strenghts," she said. "I am a very offensive player. I like playing at the net. I like serving. I typically push people to be more aggressive like me."

Madigan, the squad's only four-year veteran, says her service game is one of her strenths.

"When it's good, it is real good. When it is good, it is an ace."

Groundstrokes are her other weapon, and like all superheroes, she has an Achilles' heel.

"I have pretty powerful strokes," she said confidently. "But, if I can't make it to a ball, I can't make it to the ball. I try. It is just like, if there's a ball on the other side of the court, I'm not making it all the way over there."


Top left: Urbana head coach Parker Sands leads the team in a conditioning exercise with one lap around Blair Park. Top right: Grace Coady works on fine-tuning her backhand shot during the three-hour practice on Tuesday. Click on thumbnails to view a larger photo.


Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Bottom left:Tigers' senior Nourseen Ismail hits the ball back over the net during a practice drill. Bottom center: Head coach Parker Sands goes over the morning practice plan with players. With the players' help, the fifth-year head coach is building new culture for the program. Bottom right: Zoe Johnson puts in the extra effort to run forward and hit a low ball during an intense drill session. Sands expects Johnson, also a senior, to have a breakout season this fall.


Yau, starting her second year of competitive tennis, switched from volleyball to be with her friends on the team. The most challenging ingredient of the sport for her is the psychological approach a player needs to have to be successful.

"Tennis is really mental, and I get in my head a lot." "But that is something that I'm working on. You always have to work on that."

The Tigers open their duo match season hosting St. Joseph-Ogden on Tuesday, August 22, at Blair Park. The Spartans currently boast a roster of 29 players.

After a road match in Paris, UHS will enjoy three back-to-back contest at home, starting with a rematch with SJO on August 29. A day later, Sands' squad takes on twin city rival Centennial. After the Labor Day weekend, Urbana will welcome another twin city school, St. Thomas More.

"We have tough opponents up and down the line with great opponents," Sands said, going through the long list of programs that have dominated the conference. "Every team in the conference is going to give us a challenge. We've got to really strive to improve and come into every match with the mindset that we're here to play.

"We're going to be tested every single week."




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