Tennis Returns… Family Style

Interview by George Retelas and editing by Jeffrey Erickson

When varsity tennis returns to Menlo this spring after a 30-year absence, Head Coach Ben Cabell will field teams strengthened by seasoned players and team captains Franziska Niederle ’23 and Paul Niederle ’24. In her time with San Diego Christian College, Franziska led the Hawks to two GSAC Titles and three straight trips to the GSAC Finals. Also at SDCC, Paul led his team to two GSAC Titles and two trips to the NAIA National Championships.

They join a program with a rich history of conference championships and state singles champions, including 2022 Menlo Hall of Fame inductee Adriane Napp ’82. We spoke with the siblings about their careers and the upcoming season.

How did you become interested in tennis?

Franziska: I definitely got my tennis inspiration from my dad. He and my grandparents all played tennis back then and I remember attending a tennis camp for little kids when I was 5 years old. The tennis camp was a lot of fun and that’s why I decided to start playing tennis. When my brother started playing, I always practiced with him in Dachau, a town next to Munich where we live.

Paul: After her lessons my sister was always saying how she liked playing tennis and it was always fun, so I wanted to try it out, too. I started playing when I was 10. Before that time, I joined the soccer club when I was 6 years old, but at a certain point, I enjoyed playing tennis much more, and gave up soccer.

Can you share a challenge with tennis that you overcame?

Franziska: At age 16, I was about to quit tennis. When I first started tennis, I really enjoyed it, but as time went on, my coaches and my club expected a lot from me. So I was under a lot of pressure and stress and I was nervous before every match because I didn’t want to disappoint them. During that time, I didn’t play tennis because I enjoyed it, but for my club, my coaches, and my family, without having any fun. Then I talked to my family, took fewer coaching lessons, and took a break from tournaments. For the past 3 years, I’ve been enjoying tennis again and it’s much easier for me to deal with stress and pressure now, both on and off the court.

Paul: Tennis is good for staying healthy and fit. However, it is such a mindful game and can be so depressing at the same time. Losing very close matches, one after another, or important points in a match, is very hard, but as you grow and play match after match, you get used to it and it really clears and strengthens your mind. Another challenge has been the injuries. Some time ago I broke my left ankle. It was very painful and happened during a match. I was in such good form and playing very well. Getting injured at such a time is very depressing. I had to rest and could not play for 3 months. At that point, I wasn’t really motivated to play anymore but somehow, I overcame it, started with easy practices and had to practice a lot to come to my level again.

How do you feel about playing for Menlo?

Franziska: The team is incredibly nice. We all help each other out. Coach Ben, Rudy, and Cole support us in every way. I can’t wait to start the season.

Paul: I enjoy being here, and playing tennis with the team is fun. We have good players and cool team members.