The girls tennis team heads into their first match of the season against Yorktown on April 14 with something to prove. With their last season not quite living up to what some hoped it would be, they are looking to improve.
During their first match before the last 3 got canceled because of the oncoming storm Anderson had lost every game. However, coaches and players remain optimistic about this season. Coach David Ellis says he is happy at where the girls are. “Considering this is the first match of the season and most of these girls haven’t played before, I think it’s going ok.”
Claire Howells, a junior on the team, has a similar opinion. “Even though we lost, I think we did really good and performed well for our first match.”
There are still a lot of improvements the tennis team needs to make. Ellis says they need to work on, “Movement on the court, learning how to move to the ball, being in position to hit it to the best of their ability.”
Howells also agrees they have a lot to work on. “I need to work on my backhand Im not very great at my backhand”
Elllis has a lot of experience coaching the tennis team. “I have been coaching the tennis teams for 24 years. I was assistant for twelve for both the boys and girls.” Along with his many years of coaching experience he also is a very experienced tennis player. “I have been playing tennis for 52 years,” said Ellis.
Our AHS tennis team has many strengths that go beyond the game. “We have a group of girls that really get along and are supportive,” says Ellis.
Howells agrees. “I think we are all friends like we all are friendly and like get along.” Teamwork is a very important part of tennis especially when playing doubles.”
Another strength the tennis team has is a love for the game. Howells says, “I love that I get to play sports outside and then I just think it’s a super fun little fun pickup sport.
Last year they didn’t win a game so they are hoping this year to change that.
The love of the game is also shared by their coach. “It’s great exercise, love being outdoors, competition, everything about it, it’s just a lot of fun.“
Their next home game is on April 25 against Muncie Central.