Sophomore Luis Gilbert is one of the few returning players on this year’s Malden High boys tennis team. Having played tennis for only three-years prior, Gilbert is enjoying his second year on the varsity team.
Gilbert got his interest in tennis by “watching the professionals” and “learning the culture of tennis.” He explained his favorite professional tennis player is Roger Federer who he is fascinated by “because of his tennis mechanics and fitness.”
When asked about what aspect of his game he wants to improve this year, he mentioned that “[he] is continuously working on improving his consistency” and “getting off better shots.”
Gilbert stated that “the team is still comprehending the loss of all the seniors from last year” and hopping to “build more onto this season.” The season was also affected by the weather which resulted in the team being forced to reschedule their game against Medford and Everett High School. Gilbert concluded that despite all of this and the team not having that many victories, “it’s been a great season so far.”
One of the most exciting games this year for the Gilbert, was the victory against Triton High. He stated that “it was a very fun game and one of the longest game [the team has] ever played. Gilbert had an “intense experience” as he had won another game the day before. He mentioned that he was “nervous as well as excited to get another win.” He continued to say, the win against Triton Hawks was the “most rewarding win as the team has been working hard.” He elaborated that “he is very proud of himself and his fellow teammates.”
Gilbert explained that he considers the tennis team as “a family.” He added that, “unlike most other sports, travelling in the bus the game as well as outside the court and during the game [the team has] a lot of the time for bonding.”
Outside of tennis, Gilbert enjoys swimming and playing soccer. Gilbert is looking forward to having a great tennis season ahead.
