Boys tennis begins to close their season making a ‘racquet,’ flexing a record of (record) and 6-3 in conference

“Finishing in the top 4 for the conference tournament is a big goal,” John Bayer, head coach, said.

The coach also tries to help the team with their individual goals.

“I try to take teams from point A to point B in a season. They have to practice hard, to transfer what you do in practice into the match,” Bayer said.

The biggest challenge for this year’s squad has been the psychological difficulties of the sport.

“Tennis is a big mental game, if your mentality is bad then it’s gonna be a big roadblock,” Linus Yuan, Junior, said.

“I think when you get into a bad spot mentally during the game, it’s really hard to dig yourself out, and it can be really frustrating,” Brady Husak, sophomore, said.

Despite their individual struggles, the team has had some great games.

“Best match was vs Yorkville & Minooka. We had to come back in many spots,” Bayer said.

Off the court, the athletes have made strong connections with each other through the long bus ride talks.

“Usually, on away games, on the bus ride there, one of our team members brings a JBL speaker and we just kinda vibe out before the game,” Yuan said, “Brings the morale up, brings the energy up.”

Bayer stressed the kindness and coachability of his players, using his experience to better the program.

“I’m in my 33rd year coaching tennis,” Bayer said, “Tennis guys are great guys. They aren’t the quickest but are very coachable.”

Following their last season in high school, the seniors explore new options for their future in tennis.

“[After High School,] I’ll probably try and find a club tennis team,” Micah Ruland, senior, said, “I will continue to play tennis to whatever level I can.”

Other players, though, reflect on their involvement and acknowledge the program’s helpfulness.

“Tennis [opens up] a lot of opportunities, and it’s mentally exciting to play,” Milan Modhera, junior, said.