A milkshake, chicken nuggets, and fries. The go-to meal that fuels the fire for captain Emma Henriques is not just for her performance on the tennis court but for the energy and connection she brings to her team.

Unlike many of her teammates, Henriques didn’t grow up on the court. She first picked up a racket in her sophomore year after spending her freshman season on the track team. Wanting a change and a new challenge, she took a chance on tennis.

Now, as captain, Henriques carries a perspective shaped by that unique start. She understands what it feels like to be new, to be unsure, and to learn as you go. 

“I try to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included,” said Henriques. “Especially in doubles, connection is everything. If you’re not supporting each other, it shows on the court.”

That belief is something she lives out daily, especially with her doubles partner, Aaliyah Hodges. The two didn’t start as strangers; they had already built a friendship through soccer which made their transition into doubles partners feel natural. 

“We already had that bond,” Henriques said. “It makes it easier to trust each other and communicate, even in tough matches.” That chemistry, which allows them to stay composed and connected no matter the situation, has become one of their biggest strengths.

For Henriques, some of her most meaningful memories don’t come from intense matches or high-pressure points, but from the moments afterward. 

“Going out to eat with the team after winning matches is my favorite memory,” she said. In the cherry-red seats of a Chick-fil-A dining room is where the stress of competition fades, and the friendships grow stronger. It’s in those moments that Henriques and her team feel most complete.