Coming off a succesful season last year, Boys Varsity tennis has already passed expectations, avenging early losses which have led to a nearly perfect start of the season.
Although tennis is often viewed as a primarily individual sport, the tennis coaching staff seeks to change this narrative, urging their players to play “as a team” by developing respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and the game. The team wants to win games as a unit, as opposed to as individuals.
One factor that contributes to the team’s success is players’ composure, nourished by coach King’s meditation sessions, another aspect of practices that focuses on the team’s mentality.
Co-captain Cole Maura ’19 praised King’s coaching style. He said, “Coach King leads very structured practices, with drills that are designed…[to] develop certain shots and skills. With the mental side of tennis often credited as being more important than ability at the higher level, the team…also had a session with [Head Strength and Conditioning Coach] Mr. Knapp where we learned how to stay positive on the court.”
New players have also had a noticeable impact on this years team. The team is comprised of four new players and four returners, with two of the four new players being Preps. Head Coach Samuel King said, “We have a unique combination of talented players at the top of our lineup and tremendous depth. That gives us our strength. We also have an ideal mix of returning upperclassmen with experience and eager newcomers who add lots of skill and inspiration to the squad.”
A particularly strong addition has been Clay Glovier ’20, who has ascended to the number two spot as a new player. Maura, one of many experienced players, said that the team is confident about its abilities: “With our results so far, players understand that we are one of the strongest teams in the league. The biggest challenge our team faces is staying humble and maintaining our intensity in practices throughout the season. If we keep our drive, Boys Varsity Tennis could have one of its strongest seasons ever in recent years.”
The team started the season well, winning 7-0 against Loomis in a landslide victory. They then lost to Brunswick in a 3-4 nail-biter.
After placing fourth in the Kingswood tournament, the team swept Taft, Salisbury, and Kent 7-0, 6-0, and 7-0 respectively.
The team looks to continue its dominance this week while playing Kingswood-Oxford this Saturday, May 4.