Girls’ Tennis swings into season
With the addition of a new head coach, Kristin Casanova, the Newbury Park High School Girls’ Tennis Team begins preparation for the fall season.
Starting as a parent on the team in 2014, Casanova later decided to become coach. Besides working to improve skills through drills, imitating games and shots, she also teaches teamwork and camaraderie. “I think the key factors in building a successful team is to have good support and coaching attention to all levels of players. All the way from top of varsity to the newest JV player. And that’s what we plan to do: to support and coach and teach everyone, everything from technique to rules, strategy, everything,” Casanova said.
Although building the team was hard work, Casanova found techniques that work best. “We observe the players, we see who works well together, we try to build successful doubles partnerships,” Casanova said.
Revi Goren, senior, is an essential player on the varsity team, as well as team captain. Playing since seventh grade, she has learned a lot about the sport and what is exciting about it. “I like meeting new people. There’s a lot of different grades and people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Goren said.
Goren is looking forward to the season and encouraging underclassmen. “Just go out and play, especially on the Newbury Park team, there’s a lot of room for new players and you get better quickly,” Goren said.
Casanova is working to inspire bonding amongst the players, and this has not gone unnoticed. “[Casanova has] come up with some activities for us. She is having all the seniors send messages to the underclassmen to support them,” Goren said.
Playing since fifth grade, Shaylee Boring, freshman, has loved the connection between players and the overall competitiveness. “You don’t always have to try to get every ball back, but as long as you’re passionate about your shots,” Boring said.
Along with Goren, Boring has enjoyed spending time with the new coach. “I love how my coach really supports everyone, even if they didn’t play a good match or they’re not feeling their best. She always comes and supports the team and lifts everyone’s moods,” Boring said.
Growing up with a family that plays tennis, Boring was immersed with the sport at a young age. Her first year on the high school team has left her satisfied with her accomplishments: “As a freshman, I feel like I’ve connected with the team so much over a month and everyone is really supportive,” Boring said.
The girls varsity tennis team plans to take on Thousand Oaks High School at an away game on Oct. 3 at 3pm. “Win or lose, as long as they try their best, I’m their biggest fan,” Casanova said.
