In order to help players grow both individually and as a team on the court, the boys tennis team prepares for matches by creating healthy habits and relationships during practice.
According to Coach Jim O’Neil, experienced players play an essential role in guiding newer athletes on the team.
“My philosophy is focused on building a strong team culture,” O’Neil said. “I want the older players to lead and help the new ones.”
Freshman Joshua Kennedy said that practices are structured sessions that balance skill development and match experience.
“Usually, there is a warm-up, and then we do some sort of drill,” Kennedy said. “After that, we do scrimmages for the rest of the time.”
O’Neil said that leadership from within the team positively adds to the coaching instruction.
“When older athletes buy in and take ownership, it creates a better program,” O’Neil said. “They often know as much as I do, so I rely on them for technique and leadership.”
Within the team, Kennedy feels that the upperclassmen are “helpful” and “nice.”
“They taught me the fundamentals, and they’re very encouraging,” Kennedy said.
For many players, tennis is both a competitive challenge and a learning experience.
Kennedy said he first joined the sport through friends and found motivation to improve. “I got into tennis because some of my friends from church are in the tennis program,” Kennedy said. “I think there are more opportunities to grow and get better.”
According to sophomore Ryan Cole, the hardest part of tennis is the “match-ups.”
“Trying to find a good spot in the lineup where you can play and do well [can be hard],” Cole said.
In-game, Cole said that he is motivated to work for himself and his teammates.
“I just want to win,” Cole said, “and I don’t want to let my teammates down.”
For some players, motivation from other teammates can make a person more dedicated to success.
Senior Jack Ross said he is highly motivated by his teammates to succeed during his games.
“I always have a teammate there that can lift me back up,” Ross said, “that kind of motivates me, because I want to win for the whole team and my teammate and for myself.”
Although tennis creates a competitive, dedicated atmosphere, it also creates healthy relationships throughout the team.
According to Ross, everyone on the tennis team is” friendly.”
“There’s not one person on this team whom I don’t like,” Ross said. “I think everyone is great and helpful here.”
O’Neil said that the team has improved throughout the season.
“We’ve improved a lot as the season has gone on. We’ve started playing some non-league matches and won two in a row,” O’Neil said. “I’ve seen improvement from both returning players and new players who are starting to understand the game.”