2024-25

Season Summary

This season started with many question marks. What would the new coach be like, after long-time coach Mr. Smith stepped away. Where would they practice and host matches after losing access to the usual courts. Would this be the last season of YISS tennis? How bad was this team, after suffering relegation last year? Were they too inexperienced? How would they compete with ½ the players new, and another one had only played alternate, with little match experience? 

But the team also had many assets.  The singles players had experience with Leon and Lukas returning in the top 3 and Dale moving up from the #1 Doubles team to play at #3 singles. The court situation improved throughout the season as well. 

New players, Brian, Jake, Jaehyun and Ryan showed real growth in their skills and understanding of match play. And Nathan emerged as a confident leader among the doubles players, possibly the most improved player.

The singles players provided reliable, if sometimes crazy close wins, and the doubles teams came through at key moments, e.g., clinching the home win vs KIS, to win the regular season with a 7-1 record. Leon showed high-level skills and athleticism, typically dominating opponents.  Lukas and Dale notched undefeated seasons in Division and Tournament play.  Lukas met an individual goal to increase mental toughness in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to win no less than 4 tie-breaks, including in the #2 singles Tournament championship. All-Conference honorees included Leon, Lukas, Dale and Nathan.

The boys followed up a solid season with a convincing win in the tournament.  All Tournament selections included Leon, Lukas and Dale, with Leon recognized as the tournament MVP.  The results helped earn Guardian tennis promotion back to the KAIAC Blue Division.