For the tennis team this year, almost the entire varsity tennis team will be players moving up from junior varsity. Last season, the varsity team, except for a few athletes, were seniors. The team faced a significant transition, with 12 seniors graduating last year. The loss of these experienced players left a void that needed to be filled with new talent and leadership. Despite this turnover, the team has been actively preparing for the upcoming season through many practices and gaining more experience. Coach Art talks about his hopes for the season.
“I have high hopes that we will make a lot of improvements.” Coach Art also speaks about what he expects from our team after 12 seniors left. “ I was expecting a challenging rebuilding year. We have to focus on doubles, and I think that’s the area where we can be most competitive.”
This year, the team is led by new captains who bring energy and perspective. Their leadership will be crucial as they guide the team through the season. For some, it is their first year on varsity, and they take on a significant leadership role by stepping up to become captains. The captains, Bella, Maggie, and Vicky, prepare us well for the season. Maggie talks about her experience as a captain.
“I am super excited to be a captain, I have loved my time on sports teams at NDB and have always felt very included. I am very excited to do that to others and be a part of it.”
She talks about the team’s development: “I think no matter what, we are going to see a lot of growth and development in the team.”
The team has already had its annual tournament in Clovis. Sixteen tennis players attend the matches, and nine girls get to play at a time. Last season, the Notre Dame tennis team won the tournament. This year, the team had a high standard to maintain as the returning champions, and they successfully did so by winning the tournament. Junior Audrey Rosen talks about her Clovis experience: “This was my first time at Clovis, and I was super excited to go. I got to play doubles, and my partner and I won. It was a super fun experience, and I think our team really bonded.”
The tennis team at Notre Dame is always a fantastic experience and a great way to meet others. The girls are super helpful and friendly, and it’s an amazing way to bond with other grade members. Let’s see what this year brings!
