Beyond the Baseline: Growth and Change on Conroe's New Courts

Coach Peterson, visibly enthusiastic about the program's advancement, highlighted the immediate advantages of the new facility. "The biggest difference is having eight courts to use during our class times and weekends," he explained. "When we used Peet's, they weren’t always available, especially on weekends and during the summer. Now, we can utilize our time much more efficiently.”

The increased space has allowed for significant adjustments in training. "Each daily practice session incorporates multiple parts, and we can now spread out and have everyone playing at the same time," Peterson said. "Previously, we had to rotate players for match play, but now, everyone is engaged."

The new court surfaces have also drawn praise. "New courts are always nice because you can usually choose how much grit you want to control the speed of the ball," Peterson noted. "The district and contractors did an amazing job. The ball speed is perfect."

To ensure all players, regardless of experience, adapt quickly, Coach Peterson has implemented several strategies. "We are utilizing more time for players to get familiar with the courts," he said. "Everyone can warm up at the same time, and we can effectively spread out and practice drills."

In anticipation of the new facility, Peterson revamped the team’s training routine. "I designed a practice routine to mimic a college practice routine," he revealed. "We even met with the junior high head coaches to align our practice formats, ensuring consistency from 7th to 12th grade."

The impact of the new courts extends beyond training, significantly boosting the program's development and recruitment. "Tennis has really picked up over the last few years," Peterson said. "We’ve grown from 12 to 60 players in three years. We now have to make cuts, which shows the program's competitiveness and helps our players believe in themselves."

While the district has limited court expansion to CHS 9 due to costs, Peterson remains hopeful for future additions to the main campus. "Every other school has courts on both campuses," he pointed out. "While I’m thrilled with what we have at CHS 9, I hope we can add some courts to the main campus one day."

Players Swing into Action with Excitement

 The excitement isn't limited to the coaching staff. Varsity and JV players are equally thrilled about the new facility. Freshman Justin Smith expressed relief at the time saved. "We're always wasting time driving to different courts, and there's a risk of accidents," he said. "Having courts here minimizes that risk and saves time."

Amariah Gentle echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the benefits of increased space. "I’m very excited about the new tennis courts," she said. "The thing I’m most excited to do is have more space to rally and practice games and match plays."

Hadya Hernandez highlighted the sense of ownership and convenience. "It's nice to have our own space and not have to go to different schools," she said. "I’m most excited about the space we have now."

Players are also curious about the new court's influence on their development. Smith appreciates the comfort of playing at his home campus. Gentle believes the increased court availability will enhance team competitiveness. Hernandez mentioned the need for shade structures, hoping for future improvements to protect players from the sun.

When asked about the comfort and challenge of the new courts, the players unanimously agreed it was a mix of both. "It’s more comfortable because we have more space, but it’s also more competitive because we have more requirements," Gentle explained.

The new tennis courts at CHS 9 mark a significant milestone for Conroe High School tennis, providing a platform for growth, development, and success for years to come.