This year is a learning season for boys’ varsity tennis, as described by Coach Daniel Casarez. So far, they have played against Exeter, Hanford West, CVC, Dinuba, Kingsburg, and Reedley.
“We have zero wins but have gained a lot of experience,” Coach Casarez explains.
Their top players from last season graduated, so their main focus is stepping up to fill those roles, building the Tennis team up again, and trying their best against other school’s strategies.
“Other schools stack their ladder, meaning they’ll play their No. 1 player lower on the ladder for an advantage, so this is difficult too,” explains Coach Casarez.
In tennis, each player is given an initial ranking, placing them on a ladder. The ladder systematically guarantees that more advanced players will face off against someone of similar ability. Placing a team’s best tennis player at the bottom of the ladder violates league rules, but according to Coach Casarez, other schools set up this way regardless.
Carlos Bravo, Varsity team Captain and a tennis player since 7th grade, shares his goals for the future of the Tennis team, saying, “I hope to help develop the underclass students this year since they show really great potential.”
Aside from games, tennis is also hosting the Bears Championships, a tournament where adults play against students to help fundraise. With 77 entries, the Bears Championships is expected to be the biggest it has been in three years.
This event will also help the Tennis team learn and improve as they “see how the adults, top high school players, and college players compete on [the] courts,” states Coach Casarez.
Other top athletes, such as Carlos Bravo, Mike Casarez, Mia Balderas, and Patricia Mendoza, play against adults. Players are also encouraged to invite their teachers to play before the end of the season.
To prepare for this exciting event and their future games, tennis players practice regularly. Their practices help them condition, learn from one another, and consistently improve.
“For starters, we begin with warm-ups. The warm-up usually consists of simple exercises and running,” Senior Jose Lopez Toribio says,” Afterwards, we practice the fundamental hits for tennis: forehands, backhands, overhead shots, and serves. To end [the] practice, we play singles or doubles matches.”
Many of the players also expressed how difficult tennis can be. Junior Carlos Bravo says he wishes Tennis players got the same appreciation as other athletes.
“It’s easy to overlook tennis since it’s not really as popular as football or as successful as the wrestling program,” Bravo explains.
Similarly, Senior Jose says, “It may seem as if we only hit a ball back and forth, but the concept of playing requires you to be physically fit and also mentally fit.”
Coach Casarez confirms this struggle, explaining that all individual sports require psychological focus. He advises athletes that practice pays off and preaches the importance of confidence in themselves.
Coach Daniel Casarez is beloved and respected by the boys’ tennis team. They describe him as a charismatic, wise, lively, and experienced mentor.
“Coach Dan is an incredible coach and guides us to become better each day, whether it be on or off the court,” Jose attests.
When Casarez was made aware of his team’s admiration for him, he responded with disbelief.
“You must be joking,” he says. “I really just share my experience in tournaments and my life experience, too. I can be tough, especially if players aren’t working hard, but I’m fair.”
His excellent leadership skills seem to rub off on his players, especially the team Captains. Carlos Bravo says he loves being an important part of team decisions and his ability to give the team feedback. However, his favorite part of tennis is his connection with his teammates.
“The team is very amiable and full of energy, which creates a positive atmosphere,” Jose agrees, “There is an overwhelming sense of support from our coach, teammates, and families watching from the sidelines that brings us comfort when things may not be looking good on the court.”
Jose has significantly contributed to the positive atmosphere of tennis. Coach Casarez says he is a great addition to their team and will be greatly missed upon graduating. For his last year as a Selma High Athlete, he says he simply wants to cherish each moment with his teammates. This seems to be the common theme among the team: win or lose, they appreciate what they have and are hopeful for all they can be in the future.
