Spring has arrived, meaning the dominant tennis program has begun its season. Coming off an incredible season last year, the Patriots are looking to top their dominance in 2025.
The boys’ and girls’ teams had records of 11-1 and 10-2, respectively, last season. Underclassmen were a vital part of the teams last year, contributing to a season with deep playoff pushes. Both teams have won multiple state championships in recent years. Now led by senior captains Will Balian and Justin Huang, the boys’ team plans to continue the legacy. The girls’ team hopes to match their last season result as regional champions.
Both the girls’ and boys’ teams open with their first regular season game on Mar. 21 against Northwest. The boys will be traveling for an away match, and the girls will play at home. Both teams handled this game in superior fashion last year, with the boys recording a 5-2 win, and the girls with a 7-0 shutout.
They look forward to another season of success, as the Patriots are no strangers to high-pressure games. They have racked up two state championships in the last three years, and have no plans of slowing down. “We plan to get ready for the season and maintain our high level of play, as well as maintaining our state championship reputation,” Balian said.
Although they are a solid squad, they recognize there are still aspects of the sport that they need to work on. With daily practices, the boys’ team prioritizes getting back into shape after a long off-season. They plan that “working on our cardio and team chemistry will help us reach this goal,” Balian said.
Along with their winning mindset, the teams have a lot of fun playing with their friends. This team chemistry is a major factor for their high performances. “Every year it’s always fun to be around the guys and make jokes, but more importantly during the matches and playoffs I know they’ll show up and support me every point,” Huang said.
Similarly, the girls’ team is excited for the season. They have high expectations and even higher goals. After just two weeks of practice, the team is looking impressive. “So far I think that we are looking pretty good. I think that we have a pretty good chance of winning and having a great season,” junior captain Veronika Chunikhin said.
They know that to win states for yet another year, it is going to take some work. To develop their skills, they have recently worked on doubles. This is to develop multiple aspects of the game, as well as give players extra experience. “Something that the team prioritizes during practice is for the doubles players to communicate more effectively. I also think that almost everyone on the team needs to work on their volleys which is why we are putting a lot of focus on doubles,” Chunikhin said.
