Correction: Junior Anderson Chaney and senior Nora Scott were misidentified as juniors Ryan Wei and Vincent Young in a photograph when the story was first posted. Photo cutlines have since been updated. With tennis season approaching, the Blue Waves tennis teams have been preparing hard for their first game on Tuesday [Feb. 18] against French Camp.
Despite issues with the snowy weather, coach Troy King said the teams have practiced consistently this offseason. As a result, King said they have a good shot of being successful this season.
“We’re practicing at least three days a week and putting in a lot of work,” King said. “I honestly believe we can win the whole thing this year.”
Goen team captain Adair Gaines said the intense practices have helped players find their spot on the team.
“Now that we’re all back, our team is really shaping up, and everyone is adjusting very well to their roles,” Gaines said. “I’m really excited for the upcoming season.”
The tennis team’s leadership has worked hard to ensure their players are ready for the season. King said his role as coach is important for inspiring the teams, no matter the players’ tennis backgrounds.
“In order to be a coach, I have to make them believe they can win,” King said. “I work a little harder with the ones who don’t have as much experience than those that do.”
Junior Noah Maksi said he appreciates this help from King and captains.
“The coach and the captains have really helped me with developing my forehand and strategy,” Maksi said.
The Blue Waves’ tennis program set a high bar last year. The Goen team was the state champion for girls’ doubles and narrowly lost the overall state championship title by a score of 3-4. However, King said he is confident it can surpass those results.
“We got in a couple of good players to add on to what we already had last year, so hopefully we can get even further than where we got last year,” King said.
Gaines said she also has faith in the team’s performance.
“I think it will be tough,” Gaines said, “but I have no doubt that our team can pull it off.”
