This season, the boys’ tennis team faced a major loss of their senior athletes who graduated last season. Returning athletes are working hard to guide younger players, and as the season progresses, it has been productive and successful as the team has achieved a 5-0 record.
Last season, the team was mostly composed of senior athletes who had graduated; this season, the team faces the effects of their loss. Through the imbalance of their team, there is a plethora of returning players this season. Junior varsity athlete Matthew Daum speaks about his experience going into the new season as a returning athlete.
“I think the seasons started out a lot better than we started last season. It’s very different because half of our team graduated last year, but so far, I think it’s been a great year,” Daum said.
The team has been working hard for all their victories, leading them to a 5-0 record. Athletes on the team prove to be resilient throughout the season and during tough matches. Senior captain Carter Tenge explained what makes the team unique compared to others, which leads them to success.
“A lot of teams that we see don’t do the breakdowns before the lineups. They don’t really talk to each other a ton during the changeovers. We definitely communicate a lot, we make sure everyone’s on the same page, and we sort of share a collective attitude,” Tenge explained.
Through a tough and memorable game with East Ridge that took “almost three hours to win,” according to Daum, teammates are always quick to hype their fellow athletes. Senior captain Logan Ryan speaks about what makes the team one of a kind.
“It’s unique because in this sport, there’s a lot of losing. You win just about every other point, and so to keep each other kind of motivated, we do a lot of just support and overall, kind of get hyped to wear off any losses,” Ryan added.
As one of the older athletes serving the group, one of the main priorities is introducing younger players to the team. The most meaningful part of being a part of the team is the relationships and connections they build with one another. Learning to accommodate and cater to everyone in being a part of the team brings a sense of connection. Daum says helping younger and newer players to be comfortable and confident leads the team to success.
As the team continues to strive towards a great season while adapting to changes, Tenge praises his team for their resilience and hard work throughout the new, ever-changing season. “I know the sun’s going to rise every morning, I know everybody on the team’s always going to show up. That’s why we’re undefeated this season,” he said.
The team still proves to strive through the new season while facing challenges and losses. The team’s support comes from the everlasting return of players who take up the role of guiding teammates to success. Daum said the team looks forward to sections and their match against Moundsview, as “they are projected to get the number one seed in sections.” The team looks ahead to finishing the season strong at sections to secure their place at finals with the guidance of their older players and experienced captains.
