Since head coach Larry Hermida began coaching over 13 years ago, the boys tennis team has had their most successful turnout ever, and the combination of high participation and dedicated team members is propelling them toward their goals of overcoming difficult opposing teams.
Head coach Larry Hermida is feeling optimistic about the season.
“We had 37 registered students on the team. That’s the most we’ve ever had. We’ve added quite a few really good players, three or four freshmen that are very promising. And then we have all the returning seniors here for the last four years,” Hermida said. “We’ve got a really strong team.”
With so many members, the team has to contend with limited court space.
“We have only four tennis courts, and we have 37 students. We don’t cut so we just have to be creative and make sure every student gets enough playing time,” Hermida said.
Hermida hopes that the team will be able to ascend to third in PIL, but his overall goal for the team is to see everyone improve.
Junior Ky Dang believes that their hard work is paying off and that everyone on the team is gaining experience.
“Our team’s been getting better and better,” Dang said.
Both Hermida and Dang noted that the team has been joined by a few talented freshmen.
Senior captain Von Butenschoen believes that these players will be leaders in coming years. Butenschoen also predicts the tennis team will have a successful season.
“I think we definitely are gonna have a positive record. I think it really just comes down to if we can beat Wells, unfortunately,” Butenschoen said.
The team will play Wells on May 9 for their senior night.
“Since I was a freshman, we haven’t beat Wells. We’ve always lost to Wells. And we think we can do it this year,” Butenschoen said.
As captain, Butenschoen said that he enjoys leading a team of players who really care about the sport.
“It just feels so good to lead a team of passionate and young players. Everyone, they love tennis,” Butenschoen said. “It’s such an honor. I absolutely love being the captain.”
Throughout the season, the team has bonded over food.
“Our coach likes to take us to dinner after games or buys us food during games or after games,” Butenschoen said. “The team meals kind of bring everything together, for sure.”
The boys tennis team is ready to finish their productive season strong.
