In the 2024 varsity girls tennis season (8-8), the season recently ended with a loss to Francis Parker in the CIF Open Division Quarterfinals eight to 10 on Oct. 30.
Team captain Bradey Taub (12), commented on the team’s strengths and improvement from last season.
“I think as a team we bonded really well and were able to build a camaraderie that enabled us to support one another through everything,” Taub said. “I believe we did a great job improving the younger players to ensure our team will have a bright future.”
This year’s season was comparatively less successful than others. The team won CIF Open Division Champions 33 times and League Champions 37 times.
“Last year we had a very gifted team with some of the top players in the state,” Taub said. “A lot of them were seniors that graduated so we lost a large part of the team and had to introduce a greater portion of newcomers and underclassmen.”
This year, the team only has five returning varsity players: Taub, Ella Burchell (11), Ruby Resch (10), Emilia Caballero (12) and Rainey Keegan (12).
“It was hard getting everyone in the groove of how the season works,” Resch said. “It took a little bit more time [to adjust], but I’ve definitely grown as a mentor and am able to help others on the team with their strategy and team spirit, trying to lift them up and have a more positive attitude towards teammates and matches.”
Don Chu, head coach for the past seven years, expressed his thoughts on the talent of the girls this season.
“I’m proud of the girls we had for playing against kids who had played in the Open Division for most of their career,” Chu said. “They competed as hard as they could with the level of talent they had developed at the time. They improved so much, more than any other year I’ve ever coached.”
Throughout his years of coaching, Chu explained the individuality of tennis, that “even though we are a team, we are all alone on court with the exception of doubles.” When on court, there is a tremendous amount of pressure, requiring “a lot of courage to compete.”
Burchell reflected on their performance and growth as a team and individually.
“As a team everyone put in their best effort even when faced against tough competition, and we had so many victories,” Burchell said. “Over the season I have seen my game improve greatly after playing tough competitors. It has taught me to believe in myself and what I can do. I got to meet so many new people, and I am proud of how I performed during the season.”
Taub explained her position and growth throughout the season.
“I had the amazing opportunity of being the team captain, so I really think I grew in my leadership abilities and effective communication skills,” Taub said. “I play doubles one so looking back on my matches with my partner, Ella Burchell, I’m proud to say we played our hardest and won a lot of our matches.”
Looking back at their favorite memories over the season, Burchell and Taub agreed on one of their matches.
“My best memory on the team was winning my hardest match against [CCA, 6-4],” Burhcell said. “[We were] not expected to win. It was a very exciting feeling that I will never forget.”
Taub shares her thoughts on their performance.
“It was our hardest fought match of the season and we both played tremendously well,” Taub said.
Regardless of tennis being an individual sport, the bonds created this year were inseparable according to Chu.
“This year, the seniors including myself built a very special bond with the underclassmen,” Taub said. “Even with the season being over, we are all still extremely close and talk all the time. The girls on the team are like my sisters, and I love them all.”
According to Resch, “everybody had someone to turn to.” The season itself was “extremely special and holds a lot of sentimental value [to her].” Resch holds high expectations for the next season.
“I’m looking forward to being co-captain [with Ella Burchell], helping newcomers to the team and having a new coach, as well as [seeing] what the new season will have in store for me,” Resch said.
