Students on the Binghamton City School District varsity tennis team said in brief recorded comments that a welcoming atmosphere, a range of ages on the roster and a strong work ethic have helped the squad form close bonds.

Players described the team as supportive both on and off the court and said those social ties make practicing and competing easier. “My favorite part of the team would be the atmosphere on and off the court. ... we make good friends here, and it always makes playing easier when you have a friend on the court next to you,” Student 2 said. Student 3, an eighth grader who moved up to varsity this season, said the seniors were “so welcoming” and that joining the varsity squad was initially “really scary.”

The students identified two recurring strengths: age and background diversity and individual commitment to improvement. “I think our biggest strengths are mainly our diversity. Like, we have a big range from, like, eighth graders to seniors and different backgrounds,” Student 1 said. Student 2 added that many players “stay after practice to work on serves” and described the younger players’ persistence as part of the team’s “work ethic.”

These remarks are student perspectives captured in short comments and do not reflect formal statements by coaches or district officials. No district decisions, policy changes or funding items were discussed in the provided remarks. The comments illustrate how peers described the team's social environment and practice habits during the recorded segment.