How long have you been playing tennis?
Senior Dylan Pearson: I started playing tennis in sixth grade as a filler sport because I thought I would enjoy playing it. I also started playing because I would be able to do it with some of my friends.
Senior Cooper Smith: I started playing tennis in my sixth-grade year. It was the first year tennis was offered, and I have played all throughout middle school and high school since. I became interested in tennis because my brother played.
What has been your fondest memory from playing tennis so far?
Senior Aryan Patel: Apart from all the bus rides to and from tournaments and matches, my favorite memory was when I beat Culver’s 1 JV singles in my sophomore year. My coach said I stood little chance against Culver, and I guess I just had to prove him wrong.
Senior Conner Penz and Smith: Winning sectionals our sophomore year.
What are you excited about in your future seasons?
Junior Scott Loman: I’m really excited to be playing varsity next year, but it’s going to be a rough year because we’re losing some really good seniors. Although, I can’t wait to see how the incoming freshmen play because we have some very good freshmen coming in.
Junior Max Kitchell: I’m excited to teach the incoming players how to play tennis and how to become more stoic. I hope to make them realize that losing is not a loss. It can be a win depending on your mindset.
How do you feel about your performance this season?
Pearson: I’d say I’m proud of my performance. I think I improved heavily compared to last year with my decision-making along with the accuracy and power of my shots.
Penz: I am pretty happy with how I played and how the team played, but it was a disappointing end to the season. We had bigger goals in mind than getting beat in the sectional finals.
How do you feel about your players’ performances this season?
Head Coach Adam Thompson: This season has been great. We’re 12 and four and looking to go 13 and four for regionals. We have a shot at winning regionals if we can get there. We have the potential to make it to semi-state as well. The teams that would be at regionals, if we can win our sectionals, are teams that we’ve played with closely during the season. So, we have a shot. Nonetheless, it’s been a good season.
