“Impactful,” is the one word that Junior Henry Dzuong used to describe the seniors of the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team. However, the depth of their impact on the team was cultivated over time.
As they reflect on the past, the seniors recount numerous memorable moments or matches, with Senior Captain Thomas Ghile mentioning a Somerville match, and Senior Archer Ou revisiting a match with Melrose from this year.
However, one stand-out story comes from Senior Captain Philip Li, “The most memorable match had to be from last year with a match against North Reading. That was a game where I lost really badly. But because of that game, I learned to overcome my fears and started to play at my level against weaker opponents.”
Li elaborated on how being a part of the tennis team enabled him to overcome his mental struggles with anxiety during matches. As Li put it, “Because of that one North Reading game, I was able to pick myself back up and learn to not let the points dictate my gameplay. So I can just take everything at my own pace, and not have to worry about whether losing a point will mean I lose the whole game or not.” However, Li wasn’t the sole player who experienced personal growth through involvement in the Varsity Tennis team.
For instance, Ou elaborated that being a part of the tennis team facilitated his journey towards becoming less introverted, while Ghile revealed that he struggled with maintaining his composure, a challenge that the tennis team provided him with an opportunity to address.
As Senior Jason Chen put it, the team is what allowed for this growth, citing that the positive reinforcement and encouragement allowed for a healthier environment even when losing a match.
Coach Brian Sou furthered this sentiment explaining that the seniors are “a goofy bunch.” Sou said that, “All five seniors have their own personality and what role they play; whether that’s more serious or more goofy, but they all push each other to become better and motivates the members of the JV team to strive for better.” Looking back over the years, Sou stated that the seniors have grown tremendously while also being the same kids he remembers from when they first began their tennis careers.
Despite the senior night being moved from Ameridge Park to Sou’s room due to a torrential downpour, the energy of the gathering remained better than ever as friends of the tennis team, varsity team members, and JV team members came together to celebrate the seniors.
As a final message to the underclassmen of the boys’ tennis teams, Senior Captain Steven Wong noted, “Just have fun and be serious when you’re on and off the court. Don’t slack off, because when you work hard, it pays off in the next few years.” Ghile adds to this message, stating, “It’s a testament to your determination, your motivation, and your commitment to the sport.” Lastly, Li offered his best advice for underclassmen: “Go out and play as much as possible, and invite some friends to join you to play tennis.”
The seniors of the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team have left a lasting and remarkable impact on their teammates and the program. Their journey, marked by memorable matches and personal growth, highlights the power of dedication and camaraderie. Despite challenges, including a relocated senior night, they exemplified resilience and unity. As they pass the torch to underclassmen, their legacy of hard work and passion will continue to inspire future players.
