by
Lucas Paule
The girls’ varsity tennis team began their 2006 season with a new coach and determination. As students enjoyed their last days of summer, twelve girls headed back to school to begin practicing for the upcoming tennis season.
Practice began the last week of summer break and tryouts were held on the first week of school. The girls went through rigorous conditioning and workouts that included plenty of running. At practice, the girls worked on improving their game through challenge matches, placement drills, and service drills.
This year’s squad is younger with only two seniors, but the team features plenty of talent. Lindsey Nguyen was the only freshman to make the varsity team this year, and there are plenty of skilled sophomores and juniors.
This year the girls’ varsity team has introduced new coach Brooke Hoekstra. However, Coach Brooke is not new to Valley Christian as she is an alumnus and coached the boys’ junior varsity tennis team last year. When asked what her expectations for the team were, she answered, “If you have expectations, you’ll be disappointed.” Instead Coach Brooke hopes that the team will “grow as people through the game of tennis and have lasting memories.” One of the leaders on the team, Alex Yaccarine, commented, “With Coach Brooke, we’ll do a lot better than in the past, and we’ll have a good shot this year.”
Their first game of the season in the always tough West Catholic Athletic League was against Sacred Heart Prep on September 12. Their first home game was on Thursday, September 14th against St. Ignatius. Although they lost both matches, they are ready to get back to work and be able to compete with tougher opponents. The season could last until November for the CCS playoffs and features many difficult opponents such as Mitty and St. Francis. The girls are looking forward to a very successful season.
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