The varsity girls tennis team has kicked off their season with a strong showing and even stronger team spirit. With several early wins, including the 4-3 season-opener with San Mateo High School, the team is looking to build momentum towards winning the league again and making a return to CCS (Central Coast Section) playoffs.
Led by Coach Gerald Sargeant, who players describe as “encouraging” and “competitive in the best way,” the team is combining grit and an outstanding team chemistry. “He brings out the best in all of us,” said Julia C. ’27, who is in her third year playing on the team.
Changes with training schedules have also been implemented this year. Practices now occur from Monday through Friday, including weight room practices, as opposed to the previous Monday through Thursday.
A number of new freshmen joined the team this fall, including Amaira G. ’29, who has stepped into the singles 1 position after just moving from Seattle in August. Amaira, who previously played only individual tournaments, picked up a memorable win in the second game of the season against Crystal Springs, one of the team’s toughest opponents so far.
“She’s incredible,” Julia said. “[Amaira] comes in and she’s winning all of her games. It’s awesome. When she won her match against Crystal we all supported and congratulated her.”
Winning 24 out of 28 games, Gupta’s record has also made her the Nueva Athlete of the Week (week of Sept. 7-13).
“This is my first time playing in a team environment, so it’s definitely a change,” Amaira said. “When you’re not playing for a team, your results only affect you, but now results affect the whole team. I remember thinking, what if I’m the only one who loses? What if I’m the tiebreaking match that ends up losing it for the team?”
Support, however, is a constant among the players. Early in the season, the team held a bonding event at the house of co-captain Kayla L. ’26, where players from all four grades got to know each other off the court.
“It was just fun, silly stuff, but it really helped break the ice,” Julia said. “And we came up with a new team cheer together.”
“Tennis was a team that I felt immediately welcome to be a part of,” said Anna V. ’26, a captain who has been on the team for four years. “Part of being captain is like being able to maintain that environment and keep that going over the years.”
Indeed, the captains have made great impacts for their team.
“They each bring something different,” Julia said. “Caitlyn is always very consistent, helping everyone else stay calm and patient. Kayla definitely has a lot of energy. She’s always really positive and supportive of everyone, and that brings out the best in people. Anna is on the quieter side, but her composure throughout matches also really helps us not get stressed out and play well under pressure.”
After their loss to Crystal, the team bounced back against Hillsdale High, where they swept a 7-0 win.
Looking ahead, the team’s goal is clear: go undefeated in league games and win the championship. “Two years ago, we won the league. Last year, we were co-champions. This year, we want to win again out of the league and go to CCS,” Julia said.
But beyond just wins and losses, the team is most proud of their team culture. “I just want to keep getting to know the freshmen. They’re awesome,” Julia said. “Hopefully, when they’re sophomores, they’ll do the same for next year’s new players.”
In a sport that is often seen as individual, the varsity girls team is proving that tennis can be a real team effort, on and off the court. While they may not always get the spotlight, the team hopes more people will notice their success.
“We’re not just a chill sport. Last year, we only lost one or two matches. We’re actually good, and we’re a really strong community,” Julia said.
