Credit to Monica Zacarias

The boys tennis team stands in a line awaiting instructions from the coach.

With spring sports underway, FHN boys’ tennis prepares for another strong season. This year, the team rebranded with new courts, a new coach and new faces. The season ended on a high note last year, going undefeated, with partners Senior Kai Gustafson and  Sophomore Jace Jamison making state and the team placing third at GACs. Junior Robert Silzle acknowledged the change in dynamics of the team. 

“We lost our number three and number five this year, but we have improved so much over the offseason that we should be even better than last year,” Silzle said, believing they have a chance to win GACs and send even more athletes to state.

As Silzle looks to improve his junior season, others also have big goals. Gustafson and Jameson are on track to go back to state and have another winning season. Max Fitzsimmons is another name students will be familiar with as the season goes on, looking to leave a final mark on his high school career.

“Our dream goals for the team this season would be to have our 1-5 qualify for individual state, to qualify for team state, and win GACs.” Jameson stated.  

The team is facing a lot of pressure with high expectations after how they ended last season. The team knows what they must do to stay successful and fulfill those expectations.

Players feel confident in their divisional matches, believing the biggest challenges will come at state. Players look forward to their most challenging matches, facing off against FHHS and FZW later in the season.

“The team has been preparing a lot. We have spent countless hours playing almost every day in the offseason, especially leading up to the season.” Silzle said. 

Silzle knew the team couldn’t slow down even after all their accomplishments from last year, picking up right where they left off.

Last season’s success is looking to be repeated with aspirations of sending more athletes to state. After talking with several athletes on the team, the consensus seems to be picking up right where they left off and only looking to improve.

The team looks to open the season with a win on the road at FZW, March 24 at 3:30 p.m. North is also excited to host their home opener against NPHS, March 31 at 3:30 p.m. Silzle mentioned what will separate this team apart from others in the area. 

“I think we have the best chemistry in the area because it seems like every other team is nowhere near as good of friends as us because all of varsity are my best friends” Silzle said.