Ace-ing the Season Together
Subhead: Strong leadership and trust carry team to confident finish

The West Bay Athletic League regular season has wound down, and the girls tennis team is ending on steady footing. Players described the season as one marked by growth and resilient team spirit.

Co-captain Kayla L. ’26, who has played all four years, said this season stood out for its energy and commitment. “The girls really bring their full energy and full presence to each practice and time we spend together,” she said. “That alone helps us as a team be stronger and have a lot more trust in each other.”

To build that sense of unity, Kayla and teammate Ela K. ’27 organized spirit days for home matches—showing up in themed outfits ranging from all-black “spy” day to red, white, and blue. Team van rides, post-match Chipotle runs, and other outings have also kept the team connected.

“The tennis team really feels like a team,” said Katy W. ’29, who has just finished her first season in a team dynamic. “[We] talk a lot, even outside of tennis, we see each other during school and we always say hi.”

Like Wan, Amaira G. ’29 is new to competing on a school team, rather than individually. For both players, the shift highlighted teamwork over results.

Returning players and coaches have helped ease that transition, fostering communication and emphasizing team culture as key to success.

“Coach Gerald is honestly the life of the group,” Katy said. “He always supports everyone and he knows what to say to get us all hyped up.

The three captains on the team also make a point of keeping energy and focus high before every match with team huddles and speeches.

A piece of advice that stuck with Amaira came from the pre-match team huddles:  “Singles, talk to yourself. Doubles, talk to your partner. Each point is its own.” 

That mindset helped her stay composed and focused on competing for more than just herself.

​​“When you’re playing on the team, there’s a little bit more pressure since your match doesn’t only count for you, but your entire team,” Amaira said. “It’s just trying to find a way to take that pressure off your back.”

The team’s resilience was tested early in the season after a loss to King’s Academy—but that setback became a turning point. Since then, focus and morale have only improved. 

Kayla said her most motivating moment came on Senior Night, where she along with seniors Anna V. ’26, Caitlyn Z. ’26, and Anya V. ’26 played in front of classmates, teachers, and family. 

“To have the community support out there, it was something that I’m so grateful for,” she said. “Every single point, people were cheering. It was a really fun match to end my Nueva journey.”

That night also included lighthearted touches; seniors received signed posters, giant tennis balls, and custom socks designed by team parent Grace Voorhis featuring Coach Gerald Sargeant’s face holding a tiny racket.

Under Sargeant’s leadership, Kayla said commitment has grown dramatically. 

“Attendance has drastically improved. Basically every practice you can count on all but maybe one or two players to be there,” she said. “We’re showing up for ourselves and for our team, and that’s been magical to be a part of.”

The team finished the season in second place in the Skyline Division with a 6–2 record—an outcome that reflects both their progress and unity.