After the long-awaited return, Varsity Girls Tennis is back. This powerful squad has gone to state two years in a row and is coming back this season as a true powerhouse. Led by captains Isabelle Chong, Angelina Slomba, and Ameena Alsikafi, the future of the program looks bright with multiple freshman members and experienced returners.
Two-time state champion, Chong is playing her first season without her star partner, Lainey O’Neil, who graduated last year and is continuing her career at the University of Richmond.
“I am doing singles. It is much more mentally challenging because I don’t have a partner with me to help each other and singles is much more tiring physically. I am really sad that Lainey is not here but am excited to do singles and see how far I can go,” said Chong.
The team welcomed six new girls this year, having a total of 17 members, all varying in age. The squad has put in a noticeable amount of work on and off the court to make their state aspirations come to life.
“At the beginning of the season, our coach made us do early morning beach workouts, and the non-returners were involved. Being up that early at 7:30, struggling together it really brought us together. We do carpooling, dinners, and a ton of team bonding,” said senior and team member Sara Khater.
With the season already a month underway, and the girls less than a month out from sectionals and state, the team is feeling optimistic about the end of the season.
“Izzy Chong will definitely have a chance at state, and so will everyone else if we keep putting in the effort and hard work that we need in order to succeed,” Khater said.
Chong also feels confident in the dynamic between her and her co-captains.
“My favorite part about being captain is being a captain with my other tennis friends, Ameena and Angelina,” said Chong. “I really like doing things together with them and planning events for the team like team dinners, hanging out as a team, and other stuff. I also like being a leader with them.”
The goal for this team is clear: Conference, Sectionals, State.
“We will get far despite missing some key players. Everyone works hard, and nobody complains about the work or the hours,” Khater said.
With a winning mentality clear amongst the team, we can only sit and wait to see the great things this team does.
