As third quarter is wrapping up, spring season is beginning. Boys and girls tennis season, along with other sports, is now starting, with try outs ending on February 11th. This year, the boys coach for JV and varsity is John Waltz and the girls JV and varsity coach is Keith Castillo. 

During fall, there is another tennis season, specifically for freshmen. There are no cuts in order to introduce the sport to the newcomers, so everyone who wants to get better and prepare themselves for the regular season can participate. This season consists of six weeks where both girls and boys practice and play against other students. 

This experience has many benefits, ranging from making new friends – which is valued by the new high schoolers, because students are new to campus and it gives them a sense of comfort –  to increasing their chances of making JV or varsity teams during the regular season. 

Their chances of making a team are increased because they give freshmen a chance to experience being on a team and familiarizing themselves with the sport. Their footwork, reaction time, and other skills are building their knowledge of tennis. Ultimately, this leads to more playing time prior to the season. 

Competing against more experienced players on varsity as a freshman is difficult, so the more time spent practicing, the more it benefits. Freshman Heidi Sheets, who made girls varsity, says “[play time] is more practice, which makes us more prepared for our matches and the rest of our season.” 

A challenge shared by many sports is the mental aspect of it and being consistent regardless of exterior pressure. “[It helps with] the mental game and being able to focus more and not get in my head,” said freshman Dallin Welch, who made boys varsity. 

It is expected that freshman tennis gives an example and prepares them for JV/varsity season by exercising and practicing outside of school. “There are open courts every once in a while where either the boys coach or myself open up the courts and the shed and let students use the equipment. However, for tennis specifically, most kids… will either work with a private coach or go to clinics or camps that various places put on,” added Castillo. 

Another way to get more experience is to be in sixth hour tennis locker, where you . All these outside opportunities give athletes more play time which is important because, “

Both teams are continuing to prepare for their upcoming season. The first match is Feb. 23, against Highland.