Tennis is one of those sports that can be done individually, although competitors always need someone on the other side of the net to play. Sometimes, though, the game is played with a partner and the duo can bond, and that bond can become a friendship as well as a working relationship. That is the case for Arshbir Brar and Ben Potoczny.

Brar has been playing tennis for Armijo for two years. “I felt that it was a sport I could improve on,” he said. “I have not gone to championships but it will be my goal in the future.” For Potoczny, who has also played for two years, tennis was something new. Both want to continue with the sport in college. Brar expects to go to Solano before transferring to a university and Potoczny wants to go to either UCLA or UC Davis. While Brar might try to be on the school team, Potoczny is not sure he wants to play competitively.

Playing for Armijo has left both athletes with strong memories. “My most memorable game was my first singles match. Although I didn’t win, it was the best experience I ‘ve had,” said Brar.

For Potoczny, it was more about the competition. “It was a game against Vacaville High,” he said. “It was tied the entire game until I pulled ahead and won.”

“If you are doing a sport and you are not so good, you will get better. Change doesn’t come overnight,” said Brar. “It comes with hard work and dedication.” Both players would encourage others to get involved in sports “because there are so many benefits that come with sports,” said Potoczny.

While the two have tennis in common and support each other on the court, they also have very different interests. Brar plays field hockey and is an avid Fortnite player. Potoczny plays guitar and saxophone for Armijo’s wind ensemble. In the future, Brar hopes to become a veterinarian while Potoczny’s goal is to become a bioengineer.

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Arshbir likes playing tennis, with and without Ben.