During the third day of tryouts for the tennis team Wednesday, two things stood out like a stain on a white shirt. First, that the heat was unforgiving, and second, that the tennis team is ready to take its success to the next level.
Last year, after winning the 9-5A district title in team play, the tennis team lost in the first round of the regional tournament.
“The real goal for this team is to make it to the second day of regional,” senior captain Mac Boles said.
The first week of official tennis practice, which started Monday, is really the continuation of a summer the players have spent working to improve their game. The team tennis season commences this Friday with an all-varsity tournament in Frisco.
“The team looks very strong this year because they have worked extensively in the two months prior to the start of the season,” coach Bob Williams said.
Another goal that this team is hunting for is to improve their state ranking. They ended last year as one of the top 32 teams in the state.
“We should go undefeated in district this year,” Williams said, “And we want to end the season among the top 16 teams in state.”
Success has brought attention to the program. A record 53 players showed up for tryouts.
“Word is out in the community that this team is for real,” Williams said.
