Assistant coach Clemens feels good about this year’s boy’s tennis team. Coach Clemens stated that “This looks to be a good year for our team,” Mr. Clemens said. 

This year’s boys tennis season has just begun and according to Salil Gupta, an eighth grade player, they are “cooking” their opponents.” The season is going very well, and all boys are undefeated in their matches. Confidence is an important factor of being an athlete and our boys tennis team definitely has a lot.

Knowing where areas of improvement are needed is essential to a team. Salil likes to “celebrate” but he wants to work on “being nice to my opponents” and having better sportsmanship. Patrick wants to improve on his skills and “be better.” Devin just started playing so he’s not sure what he needs to improve on yet. Will Stock wants to “improve on my back hand stroke.” 

At first Salil didn’t want to play tennis but after playing he enjoys being on the team. “I play tennis because my dad made me, but now I like it,” Salil said. Good teammates make the team more enjoyable for everyone. Will Stock joked “I gotta work on my summer bod.” Coach Clemens and first grade teacher at Doherty Coach Ackerman are the team’s coaches for the year. Patrick Williams describes their coaching style as “interesting and unique”. 

The coaches create a fun and helpful environment at practice. Coach Clemens stated that “the challenge is to ensure every player gets a chance to improve their skills and give them competitive match play.” 

“We are off to a great start,” said eighth grader Will Stock. Will and Devin are doubles and are currently undefeated. Coach Clemens said “this team has a really great range of skill levels and they have brought their best to match play.” 

Will also added that the coaches “are really great and can always help us have a good time.” Clemens offers a very unique and effective coaching style. “My coaching style is to shape practice around having fun and improving skills that will improve players’ match play.” Taye added “they are good at teaching and they make it fun.” A successful team needs good, helpful coaches.

The boys work very well together as a team. “The boys team had fewer returning players, but I have been happy to see them come together and enjoy getting out on the courts to play,” Coach Clemens said. 

The team is committed to going to practices and giving their best effort in matches. Coach Ackerman thinks, “This team is full of energy!” The coaches enjoy having this strong group of boys. 

“I’m always excited to see people participating in tennis because it’s a sport you can play for life,” Clemens said.