By Annette Aucamp

The girls tennis team kicked off their season with a fiery start. Dominating every league match so far with an impressive 10-win streak. This strong performance has raised players’ hopes that they will not only make it to the CIF championships but also advance to the state championship, a goal that seems increasingly within reach.

“The goal every year is to win the Open Division City Championship,” coach Troy Aiken said. “That is the goal we are working towards this year and hope to accomplish that for the second year in a row.”

In order to accomplish this, the team is putting in serious effort, practicing four times a week. Along with playing practice matches against teammates, the girls maintain their physical fitness by running and stretching as well as training through drills with their coach. This hard work is evident in their consistent high-level performance. 

Beyond their physical abilities, the team’s close-knit bond also plays a significant role in their success. Tennis is typically an individual or partner sport, but the girls have fostered a team environment that also sets them apart from the competition on the court.

“What makes us different from other teams is our ability to keep each other motivated and in a good mindset,” junior Isabella Simon said. “Because tennis is normally a one-person sport it’s hard to create an environment where we don’t feel alone on the court. However, we create momentum that reminds us we are a team regardless of how many people are on the court with us, and that’s what sets us apart from any other sports team.”

Along with skill-building, the team’s practices offer the girls a chance for new players to become accustomed to being on the team as well as get to know their teammates. The girls also appreciate having fresh faces on the team.

“I love it when we get new girls on the team as it is a reminder that our team is constantly growing and evolving to keep the team for generations to come,” Simon said. “More than that, it’s amazing being able to share the joy that comes from being on the team.”

However, with the influx of new talent comes the bittersweet reality that some players will eventually have to leave the team to pursue their futures outside of high school. This season, the team faces the challenge of saying goodbye to a large group of seniors who have been a crucial part of their success. 

“This year feels different because many of us are seniors, and it’s our last year being part of something so special and heartfelt,” senior Leah Lazaryan said. “It’s definitely the most somber season as we’ve established such a tight-knit team with the same people year after year.”