After two harsh defeats in the first round of the 2015 state playoffs, the Grady tennis teams are ready to rebound with a successful season. The boys team ended with a record of 8-7 and the girls ended with an 8-8 record. The teams hope to improve their records and advance farther in state playoffs this year.
“We want to obviously get to the state playoffs, that means we have to be in the top four of our region,” head coach Scott Stephens said.“Once we get to the state, I hope we advance at least two rounds and maybe more. It’s possible we could have a really good season, but it’s still early, and we have to see what our opposition looks like.”
Over the years, the team has typically lost more players from the year before than they gain in the new season, but this year, only two players were lost, and an abundance of experienced freshman players are joining the teams this season. The arrival of 10 new players has brought a competitive edge to the teams, making players work hard to maintain previous spots.
“We have a lot of new freshmen, especially really good freshmen boys,” Stephens said. “I think getting them in the lineup is going to help the boys team a lot. We have some girls who have been on the team for a number of years, and I think they’re going to do really well. I think with a mix of really good freshmen and veteran players, we have a pretty good chance.”
Practices began Jan. 11, and although many have been canceled due to inclement weather, the teams have shown increased discipline and determination for the upcoming season. The practices so far have had strong turnouts.
“Compared to last year, I think we are way more organized; we are more of a team, and I feel like we will get a lot more recognition this year because of how far we can go,” senior captain Chase Masri said.
Although practices have been going well, the girls have lost a vital member of their team — senior Gabby Poux. Last year Poux was a captain, however, due to a busy schedule this year, Poux has not been able to fully commit to the team, and will not be attending the majority of the matches.
“The girls team lost one of our better players last year, and we don’t totally have Gabby Poux because she’s dual enrolling and probably won’t be able to play much this year, which is a bit of a deficit to the team,” junior captain Lena Rosen said. Despite this loss, the team still has high goals set for the season.
Despite this loss, the team still has high goals set for the season.
The teams are working to increase their performance against their more competitive opponents such as Marist, Woodward and St. Pius, who they have failed to conquer in the past.
“I think we can make it a lot farther in our playoff games,” Masri said. “We have a much deeper lineup this year with a lot of consistent players who practice day in and day out.”
The team has a strong foundation of players throughout all grades. Rosen and junior Kaitlyn Carroll serve as the primary leaders for the girls team this season. Senior Alex Lepik and Masri remain starting members of the boys lineup, but have also recognized freshmen Josh Wolfe and Robert Mobley as beneficial additions to the team. When not practicing with the Grady team, Wolfe trains with a private coach.
“I think the boys team will have a real chance at going far, especially with the amount of seniors we have this year,” Wolfe said.
On Feb. 9, the teams faced their first opponent, North Springs, in an annual opening match.
This year the team is looking to continue the streak against North Atlanta. Last year, the girls won 5–0 and the boys won 3–2, with Rosen and Carroll winning the girls doubles and Masri and graduated student Max Trachtenberg winning the decisive match for the boys doubles.
The team also looks to improve from their loss last year against intown opponent Paideia. Last season, both teams lost 2–3 to Paideia. Carroll and Rosen won the doubles game for the girls, and Masri and Trachtenberg won the doubles games for the boys.
“A lot of people are motivated this year,” Rosen said. “That’s one of the nice things about the influx of freshmen. They’re excited about playing high-school level, and the players above them are motivated not to lose their spots. We never really have much to lose, so the team definitely wants to just get out there and try their hardest.”
