With the winter season coming to a close, the high school spring sports are preparing for their upcoming season. This preparation includes tournaments, conditioning, and optional practices over the winter break for athletes who wish to improve their skills. One example of these spring sports is West High’s Boys Tennis team. 

   Last year, the Boys Tennis team was coached by math teacher Mr. Chou. This year, the team is led by Coach Sean, who brings fresh hopes and expectations for the team. 

   As the new coach, Coach Sean stated his main expectation was to “create more unity as a team.” He explained that games are won at the high school level through strong chemistry and camaraderie between players. For each athlete, Coach Sean expressed his hopes for athletes to “receive at least a Division III or Division I scholarship.” As he has pursued a career in playing and coaching tennis, he wishes to encourage athletes’ ambitions of continuing tennis post-high school.

   Despite having a change in the coaching staff, the Boys Tennis team has adjusted well and is working to prepare for the 2024 spring season. Varsity returner Max Kim (11) explained how although he needed to adapt to Coach Sean’s different style of instructing tennis, every player on the team was “getting better daily.”

   Junior Varsity Captain Colin Welsch (11) elaborated upon the team’s ability to connect with Coach Sean and how the program has built a great community. Welsch revealed that he enjoyed how although “there’s pressure to be the best” his teammates were supportive in pushing him to improve. Varsity player Andrew Pong (10) shared Welsch’s thoughts, stating that “the community of the team is really nice and [the team members] all work to improve together.”

   Oftentimes, it’s hard for players to adjust to a new coach as it involves changes that can throw players off their routine. However, the Boys Tennis team has wholeheartedly accepted a different coaching style and has remained a positive community for all levels of players. As the program continues to grow, Coach Sean specified, “In regards to the expectations [he] ha[s] for the team, [he] just wish[es] to create lasting memories. [The team] currently has two seniors, and [he] just want[s] them to have a great experience playing tennis in high school.”