Ramble on: Led Zeppelin songs ignite Coyote on tennis court

Hannah Arabi feels ‘Whole Lotta Love’ at Calabasas



PRECOCIOUS FRESHMAN—Hannah Arabi had a 19-6 record in singles matches for the Calabasas High girls’ tennis team this season.

PRECOCIOUS FRESHMAN—Hannah Arabi had a 19-6 record in singles matches for the Calabasas High girls’ tennis team this season.

Led Zeppelin inspires Hannah Arabi. Now she’s climbing a stairway to heaven on the tennis court.

The Calabasas High freshman had a rocky start playing No. 2 singles for the girls’ tennis team. The rookie committed many mental mistakes against the top singles standouts in the Marmonte League.

Arabi began to sing Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits in her head during matches to help her relax. She quickly flourished while classic rock riffs entered her head.

“The music helps me see the game better,” Arabi said. “I got to be myself and not worry about mistakes and who I’m playing.

“Sometimes I change the music to the baby songs I sing to my 3-year-old brother.”

Arabi finished with a 19-6 record and advanced to the semifi nals of the Marmonte singles tournament.

The Coyote, who stands at 5-foot-10, is able to put balls away with her powerful forehand. She improved her footwork with the help of first-year head coach Gerald Mathews.

“She already has the strength and size,” Mathews said. “I want her to keep getting taller. That’s a big advantage, but I also want her to work on the little things like footwork and returning serves.

“She’s going to be a big-time player very soon.”

Arabi is an avid fan of Roger Federer and watches the Tennis Channel religiously.

“I can’t get enough tennis,” Arabi said. “I study the great ones and try to be like them. I try to pattern my game after Roger Federer. Yeah, he’s a great player, but I like that he’s always calm and never gets mad.”

Arabi picked up the sport from her father, Brian. She competed in her first United States Tennis Association tournament at age 6.

Brian Arabi motivates his daughter in friendly matches.

“My dad will sometimes offer me $20 if I’m able to beat him,” Hannah Arabi said, “but I beat him all the time now. He tries to make it tougher by saying he’ll give me more money if I keep him at zero. He’s been very supportive with tennis.”

Arabi was a shy freshman when she first joined the team. The Coyotes welcomed her with open arms.

“Hannah was fantastic for us,” junior Rachel Whitfield said. “She was nervous and very quiet at first, but she’s now one of the girls. I’m glad she’s on our side for the next few years. She’s very talented.”

Arabi is close with her mother, Tammy, and little brother, Dominic. She excels in math and science and enjoys watching game shows like “Wheel of Fortune.”

The Coyote dreams of one day playing in the U.S. Open.

“I think about going pro all the time,” Hannah Arabi said.

“I imagine myself playing in the U.S. Open one day. It’s a crazy dream but it can become reality with a lot of hard work. You have to start somewhere.”

COYOTES IMPROVE

WITH NEW COACH

The Calabasas High girls’ tennis team is headed in the right direction under first-year head coach Gerald Mathews.

Calabasas (10-9 overall) finished fourth in the rugged Marmonte League with a 6-5 league mark this fall.

Senior Jensyn Warren, one of the top singles players in the area, led the Coyotes.

Freshman Hannah Arabi had a breakout season at No. 2 singles. Junior Rachel Whitfield boosted the team at doubles. Sophomores Loren Davis and Chloe Beddows are promising doubles players.

“Gerald came here and shook the program,” Whitfield said. “He pushed us to our limits. Before it was all fun and games, but Gerald takes us to the next level. He’s a great coach.”

Mathews is the third head coach in as many years for Calabasas. He previously coached at Windward and was a standout tennis player at Lamar University in Texas.

“I want to be at Calabasas for the next 10 years,” Mathews said. “I’m confident I can turn this program into a contender very soon.”


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