It has been said that tennis is a lifetime sport. In the Book family, tennis is a lifetime sport that bonds generations together.
sophomore star Sophie Book began playing tennis at the age of five, naturally drawn in by her family’s love for the game.
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“My whole family played tennis,” Book said in a recent phone interview. “My mom, my father and grandfather played, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps and hopefully one day beat them.”
Book’s passion for tennis continued to grow, and by age 10 she wanted to see how she stacked up against kids her age. She began playing in the USTA Middle States 12 & under division.
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Book had an inauspicious beginning in Middle States by dropping her early matches. Despite the losses, her passion and confidence never wavered. After working on her game, Book’s results changed, and she continues to play USTA Middle States tournaments—now participating in the 16 & under division.
In the classroom, Book has attended Friends’ Central in Wynnewood since pre-K and is very excited to complete her high school career at the institution where her education began.
“I am very proud of this year’s team. We were very young, but we stuck together and continued to improve.”—Sophie Book
“I love the teacher-student relationship that Friends’ Central offers,” said Book. “It is a great aspect of a small school like Friends’ Central.”
Book, who played number one singles for Friends’ Central this season, led a young Phoenix team to a 7-6 overall record, and 6-2 in the Friend’s Schools League (and a berth in the Friend’s Schools League semi-finals).
“I am very proud of this year’s team,” said Book. “We were very young, but we stuck together as a team and continued to improve as the season progressed.”
Book’s game has continued to improve, thanks in large part to the efforts of Kein Wilson, head girls tennis coach at Friends' Central, and her personal coach Taj Colantoni, who works out of the Riverside tennis club in Bala Cynwyd.
“Working with Kein and Taj has been great," Book said. "They have been able to help me physically and mentally. Kein has been great in helping me stay calm when I get nervous along with different strategies. Taj has helped me develop my groundstroke.”
This summer, Book participated in the , an Olympic style contest for Jewish athletes ages 13-16, and was able to capture a silver medal.
Off the court, Book is involved with Katie at the Bat, a Narberth-based nonprofit that seeks to empower inner-city children "to achieve their full potential through participation in athletics." She is also teaching herself sign language.
Although Book still has more than two years of high school to go, she has high hopes of playing collegiate tennis, if the right opportunity arises.
