Pacific Index

Stella Nishimura looks to lead the Boxers through another competitive season.

By Tiare Arquero

   For the Pacific women’s tennis team, last season marked another step forward for the program. It was also a year of growth for junior Stella Nishimura. For the second year in a row, the Boxers advanced to the Northwest Conference championship, where they faced Whitman in the championship game. Even though the team didn’t win the championship in the end, the experience strengthened their confidence that Pacific is capable of competing with the best teams in the conference.

   Rather than focusing on the disappointment of the loss, Nishimura said that the championship helped the team realize how close they are to reaching their ultimate goal and winning it.

“I think that was just like a big glimmer of hope and that our team can do this,” she said. “It allowed us to see what we need to do to prepare for this year, figuring out what we need as individuals but also as a team.”

   The championship game taught the team valuable lessons for the upcoming offseason. The experience has also influenced the Boxers’ mindset this season, which has strengthened the mental aspect of competition and improved match preparation.

   Individually, last year was also a huge milestone for Nishimura. She earned Second Team All-Northwest Conference Selection and ITA Division 3 All-American Doubles, an achievement that she used to believe was out of reach. 

   “It’s funny because before I came to Pacific, I remember my dad showing me that Cassidy became an All-American and in my head I was like imagining being an All-American, that’s crazy,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to be one but I didn’t know how attainable it was until we were in the finals.”

   Nishimura also mentioned that it gave her a lot of confidence mentally and physically. “When we traveled to Georgia a few weeks after, I thought I didn’t belong there because everyone was so good. But winning that with Cassidy and having that in the back of my head, made me realize that I do belong and that I can compete and play.” Reflecting on the past season overall gave her a boost of confidence and hope for the future.

   So far, this season has been challenging, but it has brought many opportunities for the team. A difficult non-conference schedule early in this season has tested the team against tough opponents, but it has also allowed players to experiment and grow without the pressure of conference standings.

   “For me, playing against teams that are better than us takes off a lot of pressure because I know that I can try new things and figure out what works,” Nishimura mentioned when asked how the start of the season was going. 

   She has also mentioned that the team has been heavily focusing on chemistry this year as her doubles partner is different. “In doubles, it’s really important that you get along with your partner,” she said. “Chloe and I have good chemistry and a lot of synergy. We know where each other will be on the court, and we share the same mindset during matches.”

   Her role in doubles has also evolved from previous seasons. After learning from her previous partner, Nishimura now finds herself taking on more responsibility in guiding the pair during matches. “Now I try to take the lead when needed but also make sure we’re supporting each other.”

   Beyond her performance on the court, Nishimura has also focused heavily on personal growth this season, particularly on the mental side of the game. “Mentally, I’ve been trying to play more freely and not put so much pressure on myself. When I’m just there playing and having fun, that’s when I play my best.”

   She’s also been working on stepping up and becoming more of a leader this year. Although she was a captain last year, she has taken on an even bigger leadership role this season. “I try to set an example of being respectful, organized, and overall just being myself,” she said. She aims to support her teammates and maintain strong chemistry among everyone. “I think a huge part for our team is supporting each other on and off the court. I try to make sure that we are physically and vocally showing up for each other.”

   Looking ahead, both individual and team goals remain clear. For Nishimura, success means continuing to stay mentally tough while refining her playing style. For Pacific, the ultimate goal is another opportunity to compete for the conference championship. “We definitely want to get back to that spot and I believe that we can. We have a good team this year and our chemistry is really strong,” she concludes.

   With experience, confidence, and leadership guiding the team forward, Nishimura and the Boxers are determined to turn the lessons from past championship appearances into another run at the title.