The tennis team nearly doubled in size this year with an influx of underclassmen player, leading coaches to believe the team established a strong foundation during the fall season.

While Akins Tennis ended the season with 2-3 record, the team ended strong, winning the majority of matches against Del Valle and came close to defeating the Lehman Lobos.

While tennis is mostly an individual sport, teamwork is still an important aspect as players serve as training partners and even teachers to new members. Having larger numbers on the tennis team helps the team improve by providing a wider spectrum of ability levels and knowledge of the game. Each player can learn from another.

Tennis is coached by social studies teacher Richard Kelly and science teacher Ashley Gahan.

“The coaches are great,” senior Tenzin Dechen said. “They’ve challenged me in many ways to play better as a beginner.”

“I think the whole team has improved and really stepped up in terms of match toughness,” coach Ashley Gahan said. “This is the most well-rounded team we have had since I’ve been at Akins.”

Freshman Simon Carandang is was one of several underclassmen who focused on improving their techniques. He has played tennis since middle school, and is looking forward to developing as a player.

“I practice every day during any free time that I get,” Carandang said. “Even Saturdays and Sundays.”

However, Carandang said he still has room for improvement.

“I need to work on getting my head in the game,” Carandang said.

The returning players worked to be a good example for newer members, practicing with tenacity and showing commitment to the team.

“Having so many seniors has been great,” Gahan said. “The experience and dedication to the team is really helping us move forward as a program.”

Many returning players feel that they have improved since last year.

“I would like to keep on [improving] throughout the rest of this year,” senior Magnus Poocrer said

Gahan and several other members said that overall, the team needs to work on consistency and getting used to playing more competitively.

“The more opportunities [the players] get to practice and play matches, the better off they’ll be in a challenging match situation,” Gahan said.

The diversity of players on the team did not hinder the team’s overall performance.

“The team did well for a lot of new players,” senior and co-captain Ezzy Racelis said.

“I could have played a lot better,” Racelis said. “But statistically, I think I did pretty good. It’s a mental sport, and requires a lot of self-evaluation.”

While team season is over, the individual season begins at the end of January.