The sun is out and Tennis Director Rob Jessen couldn't be happier. “We're expecting clear skies today,” he says with a smile from ear to ear. Clear skies mean we have a playable surface, and the games can go on as originally scheduled.
The rain has marred the start of all spring sports. However, few people feel the effects of it more than Coach Jessen. Each morning, he's on the courts blowing leaves off with an air blower and pushing the water off to the side with a squeegee if it rained the night prior. “It's something I do to ensure our student-athletes and members of the Sleepy Hollow Tennis Club have a beautiful and safe surface to play on,” says Coach Jessen. “It's a labor of love, but I can assure you that I gladly welcome the clear skies on most days,” he says while chuckling.
The team has played nine matches so far this season, including two scrimmages, one non-league, and six league matches. The team's most exciting win came against International at home on March 16. Parker S. ’24 competed in the deciding match for SD, winning a closely contested three-hour match. He lost the first set 7-6 (12-14), won the second set 6-1, and took the match tie-breaker 10-4 while battling severe cramps. “I knew everything was on the line, and I did not want to let my team down,” Parker says as he laces his shoes up for practice. “I knew I could push myself to the limit because Annie, our athletic trainer, was standing by to help me rehydrate and stretch. I don't think I could have pulled it off without her. I'm happy that I won the match because it was a big result for the team,” he says as he jogs onto the court.
The team’s overall record in competitive matches is 3-4, with two league matches left. They are in the same position as last year in league play and have had some non-league play rained out. However, they strive to finish the season in a better place than the previous one.
“Our main goal as a team this year is to improve our strategy, technique, and chemistry as we ultimately aim to make League and NCS playoffs,” says captain Zuzu B. ’23. “We aim to keep building a deep lineup that will prove vital in playoff format and hold our own in competitive matches. The team is made up of a versatile amount of skill sets, and it is by figuring out where we fit best that we will succeed as a group. I hope that as we grow closer as a team, we will further our commitment to improving for each other.”
The team will likely compete multiple times each week to make up their postponed matches. Their next big home match is Senior Day, April 19 at 4:00 pm against University. The team would love nothing more than for you to swing by and support them!