Tennis and Marching Band are two activities that provide different opportunity and physical engagement. Being a part of both groups, junior Chrissy Gross takes on multiple challenges and responsibilities for the fall sports season.

Gross is currently the No. 1 singles player of the girls’ tennis team, and plays bass clarinet for the marching band. She has been playing bass clarinet since sixth grade, and picked up a passion for tennis in her freshman year of high school.

“I love tennis so much that there was no question I was going to play this year,” said Gross. “I decided to do marching band [at the same time] because many of my friends convinced me to join.”

In order to prepare for both activities, Gross trained to improve her endurance and technique over summer. She was a member of Steel Shop Tennis Club’s USTA summer travel league, and participated in Pattonville’s band camp in July.

Remaining optimistic about her opportunity with both clubs, Chrissy balances academics carefully while working around a busy schedule. Her day at school can range from 9-12 hours, depending on the daily workload of each activity.

“The toughest part is getting all of my homework done and keeping up with my grades,” admits Gross. “However, both clubs keep me motivated to work hard and stay on top of my studies.”

Although this is her first year of marching band, Gross believes that tennis is more physically demanding of her two activities.

“In tennis, you are playing alone and don’t have anyone to pick up slack for you,” explained Gross. “There is no time limit on matches, and you have to cover a lot of ground playing singles.”

Setting expectations high, Gross hopes to gain valuable experience as a leader of the girls’ tennis team. She won her first two singles matches this year, and hopes to lead the tennis team to a conference title.

“I want to keep improving in tennis so hopefully I can make it to state my senior year,” Gross mentioned. “My personal goal is to become a better musician, while I’m improving my tennis skills.”

Gross’s next tennis match is Tuesday Sept. 10 at McCluer. She will also perform with the marching band at next week’s home football game on Sept. 13.