Upcoming season includes many newcomers to the sport

Another girls tennis season is underway and it is definitely looking a lot more different than last year. The team has a lot more obstacles to overcome from last year since there are only six girls on the team.

Having only two returning members of the tennis team from last season, there is very little experience to help the incoming girls solidify themselves of becoming the best tennis players they can be. The coach will also have a very big role in this, being a new head coach of the team.

The trials and tribulation of the season this year would be getting all of the new players to jell together. The coach of the team definitely has a lot to work with and he has to find a good relationship with his players in order to succeed this year.

Captaincy is most important on any team and with such little members on the girls tennis squad this year, means the captain Mariana Fikse, ’18, has to lead them throughout any circumstances. 

“I have always enjoyed playing tennis because it is more of an individual sport,” Fikse said. “It is nice because you can focus more on how to improve on your own skills and get what you have learned from other people and teach the newer members of the team the same tricks and tips that I learned when I was first starting.”

The shortage of the girls tennis team is very unfortunate but this can help the team come together. They could surprise teams with the little members that they have.

“I am very excited about the new girls that we have coming in,” Fikse said. “It is always good to have more girls come in after all of the seniors that left last year. I remember when I came in as a freshman I knew nothing about tennis, but everyone was so supportive and helped me become better. The coach and I are really trying to teach those who have never played to expand their skills and make them better.”

Some of the girls this year have never played before, including Alina Davila, ‘19. Listening to the advice of her classmates, she decided to give tennis a try.

“I have never touched a tennis racket in my life,” Davila said. “However, being new at the school I thought I would try something new. My friends at the school have told me how fun tennis can be and I thought I would give it a go.”

The team continues to get better as new coach Daniel Trujillo already sees improvement in the new girls that have come in. He hopes to improve their skills by practicing hard.

“I plan on getting the girls into better shape,” Trujillo said. “I also want them to understand the game better and to compete hard to win matches that we have. Training is key and I expect them to do that, not just at practice, but at home by studying the sport.”

Obviously the girls tennis team has gotten some talk this year. The only reason however is because of the shortage of the girls and how some students have no expectations for them.

“I expect the team to work hard,” Trujillo said. “Our goal this year is to win of course but I want the new girls that are coming in who have never played the sport to learn more about why it is such a great sport to play.”

The girls tennis team is ready to have another successful year. Even with all the new faces they will learn to come together with a motivated coach and a exciting captain.

Their next game will be at home against Firebaugh, Sept. 15. Come out and support your Eagles!

For another sports article, read: FC football sport short: Anzar. 

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @sukyboiii and via email: Suky Cheema.