After just one year of coaching the boys tennis team, Spanish teacher Brain Santos will be stepping down in order to work on his graduate studies. Health teacher Kellie Voyles will take over the job as head coach this year.

Despite a new coach last year, the team was still able to accomplish a great deal. They placed first in singles at GACs and placed 5th as a team in districts. Because Santos took on the coaching position last year, he understands the stresses Voyles will have from taking on new players, new strategies and a new team. However, coaching tennis won’t be a completely new experience for Voyles because she has been the coach for the girls’ team for the past two years. However, Santos still offers up his advice.

“[I’d tell her to] stay focused, make sure the team has a good and positive attitude,” Santos said. “Don’t let losses discourage the team and be tough. A good coach is tough but encouraging.”

Having a new coach to start the season isn’t anything new for the tennis team, as they’ve had three different coaches in the past three years. However, it is possible that after this year the team will have a more permanent coach with Voyles.

“I plan to do it [coaching] as long as I’m able to,” Voyles said. “And as long as they want me to.”

Even though the team has been getting new coaches through the years, it doesn’t seem to effect the athletes’ performance or attitude toward the team.

“[Those trying out] will make a strong team,” senior Chris Palmer said. “We practiced over winter break and we have good chemistry.”