As Selma High’s girls’ tennis season had ended on Tuesday October 22nd with a match against Kingsburg, this was a season that was memorable and filled with determination as the girls went onto the court everyday to try and achieve their goals.
“The most enjoyable thing about coaching,” stated Coach Dan Casarez, “is witnessing players achieve their own goals, but keeping to them and not giving up.”
Casarez has been coaching kids and captained adults in USTA (United States Tennis Association) for 15 years. Currently he is the head coach for the girls’ tennis team.
Two of the team captains are Miranda Mendoza and Mia Balderas. Mendoza has been playing tennis for five years, first starting in middle school. Balderas has been playing for four years, starting at the beginning of freshman year. Melanie Rivas is a senior as well as both Mia and Miranda. This is her first year playing tennis.
“I wanted to try something new for my senior year,” Rivas explained, “but I regret not joining sooner. It’s truly a fun sport.”
Senior night took place on Thursday October 17th at 3:30 against Exeter High School, which went well and was a memorable night.
“Senior night was awesome,” said Mendoza. ”The team was really happy to celebrate how far we’ve all come and it was really nice to have family and friends come and support us.”
“A lot of teachers, family, and friends came out and made it a very special moment for everyone,” Balderas added.
Rivas explained how she viewed it as an opportunity for them to appreciate their journey and hard work they put in throughout their entire season.
“I enjoyed spending time with teammates at our final home game,” she explained.
Looking on the technical side of the sport, the girls have seen improvements in their skills and performance in games. Mendoza has become able to put spin on the ball, especially with slice serves. Balderas has also explained how her technique overall has been a drastic improvement.
“It’s more than just hitting the ball,” Balderas explained. ”You have to have good technique to get the right reaction.”
“When I started playing,” Rivas added, “my serves were not consistent and often double faulted. However, with the help from coach Sulftenfus, my serves have been consistent.”
“The biggest improvement,” Casarez said, “was just convincing players they are athletes.”
For Casarez, it was important for his athletes to understand that they are able to achieve whatever they desire, if they believe in themselves.
Rivas explained how a memorable moment in the season was when her and her doubles partner, Manpreet, won their match against Kerman High. This was because of the hard work they put into practice and their best efforts having been paid off. Mendoza’s favorites took place at Jack in the Box after a game.
“I was trying to hide a milkshake I bought,” said Mendoza, laughing, “from Coach Dan while eating my meal because he doesn’t like it when we eat sweets.”
Balderas had explained how, this season, there were also some new faces to the sport and how close the team had become by the end of the season.
“My favorite part of the season,” Balderas commented, “was definitely all the new people I’ve met. I’ll definitely miss seeing everyone everyday at practice.”
Although there will be no more games for the girls’ tennis team, they will be left with lasting memories to always look back on.
