We have exciting news. Boys Tennis is now offered at HHS! Not only has this team made history as…well, the first team in school history, with a turnout of 14 players, it has already exceeded expectations. The school’s tennis facility, which since its construction in 2017 has remained unused during the fall, offers the perfect opportunity to introduce a second tennis team (HHS offers Girls Tennis as a spring sport).
“As evidenced by our turnout, we have interest,” said HHS Associate Principal/Athletic Director Kathy Pacheco. “We are so excited to add another sport for our students. In terms of weather, student interest, and our existing courts, adding a boys team just makes a lot of sense,” she added.
Head Coach Scott Fish estimates about half of his players have prior tennis experience. The remaining half are first-year players who likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pursue an interest in tennis had HHS not offered it.
Assistant Coach Carrie Willis has been amazed by the level of improvement by those who are new to the sport. She appreciates how players are receptive to instruction and work hard during practices. Willis is pleased that they are seeing results. “They are picking up the fundamentals really fast,” Willis said. “I’m excited to see them in match situations.”
Even the team's newest players will likely get a chance to put their newfound abilities to the test. Fourteen players may sound like enough for Varsity and JV squads, but with varsity matches consisting of 3 singles and 3 doubles matches Fish predicts that nearly every player will get the opportunity to play a varsity tennis match. “With nine players involved in a varsity match and many of our players also involved in other activities, I expect most if not all of our players will get a shot at the ‘big time,’” Fish explained.
The team will kick off their historic season with their first-ever home match next Wednesday against Mark Morris High School. Matches begin at 3:30 pm.