The Selma High’s Varsity Boys tennis team has begun preparing for their 2024 spring season. The team demonstrates hardwork and dedication by focusing on conditioning as well as improving their technique skills that will push them through the season.
Coach Casarez, often referred to as Coach Dan, explains the importance of balancing conditioning with technique work. He pushes his athletes through a series of drills performed on and off the tennis courts.
“Fitness is key to any sport, so on some days instead of hitting tennis balls, we’ll stretch and do some weights. We’ll do 200 jumping jacks and we’ll run over 80 sprints, what some people call suicides,” states Coach Dan.
Tennis requires athletes to have quick reactions, powerful hits, as well as stamina in order to excel during their matches.
Team captain Carlos Bravo provides insight on ways he’s prepared for the upcoming season.
“I’ve prepared for this season by practicing year-round and [will] sneak into any courts possible to get some time with a racquet whenever I can.”
A challenge the team has encountered this year is rebuilding a new line up. As last year’s players have graduated from Selma High, the team has had to adapt to fill in these empty positions.
“We graduated No. 1 through No. 5 players in the lineup last year. So, our six and seven players are now playing one and two, respectively.” Coach Dan explains,
“It’s a huge leap graduating this much experience,”
Although it’s a big jump, Bravo, as well as his co-captain Michael Casarez, have adapted to their new found responsibility well. By taking on not only fiercer competitors, but by becoming leaders, they’ve united the team into a cohesive and positive environment.
“Being at the top isn’t as bad as I had initially thought,” Bravo expresses.
“With the help of the spunky underclassmen, the encouraging upperclassmen and a healthy mindset I’ve learned to take pride in my position. The opponents are no joke though!”
Although tennis may seem to be a pure individual sport, the team aspect is a crucial part of the team staying motivated. By uplifting one another, the team inspires each other to be better than they were the day before.
“As captain it’s very evident when someone in the squad is feeling discomfort or discouraged and I make it my mission to make sure we have a healthy environment for the season and the newcomers,” shares Bravo.
By maintaining a positive mindset, the team is pushed to take pride in their wins as well as view losses as another opportunity to improve.
Early preparation has allowed the team to face fierce competition such as Central High, a D-1 school.
“I want our kids to know what it’s like to hit against Division-1 players,” explains Coach Dan.
By playing against these experienced competitors, it allowed Selma High’s Tennis team to become stronger as they apply their new-knowledge for future matches.
Through intense practices and determination the team is steadily growing and evolving.
The season has just begun, so come out and support boys tennis as they take on this year’s competition.
