The varsity tennis team has a reputation as one of the best sport teams at Saratoga, as well as one of the strongest competitors in the league. As the 2013-2014 season begins, the team faces the obstacle of losing nine key players, six of whom to graduation.
“Even though it’s tough that we lost so many valuable players from last year, I am excited to welcome the new players onto the team this season,” senior Usha Raman said.
The team looks to regain its position as league champions after a slightly tougher season due to a mid-season change of coaches last year. Although all four singles players from the previous season have left, head coach Florin Marica has high hopes for the team. Marica believes if the team maintains good attitude and focuses during practices, it will have no problem challenging rival Monta Vista for the league title.
Marica had been the varsity assistant coach for several years, but this year he has taken over as head coach.
“He has a lot of experience with coaching, and he tries to bring out the best in every player,” Raman said.
Marica is prepared to train both incoming and veteran varsity players to bring even more intensity and aggressiveness to the court.
“This will be great opportunity for a clean start and a fresh perspective,” said Raman.
The team practices Monday to Thursday for around two hours after school. Marica is determined to improve the girls’ fitness and endurance by having them run liners, footwork drills and miles at every practice.
“Since we no longer have MVP’s, we will beat our opponents by our fitness and withhold even a three-hour match, if that’s what it takes,” Marica said.
The team will continue to improve its fitness, technique and skill to dominate the courts in the upcoming matches.
Raman said, “I am really looking forward to coming together as a team this season and achieving our common goal — to represent Saratoga as well as we can.”
