Boys’ tennis looks to seniors for leadership

by Evelyn Wang

With experienced leadership on the lineup and the desire to win, the Southern Lehigh boys’ tennis team is preparing to contend for the season’s biggest titles. The team currently possesses a 10-3 record and aims to win the Colonial League tournament, as well as qualify for the team district tournament. To do so, they will call on the senior leadership in the singles lineup.

“Between Harrison [Clark], Thijs [Immerzeel], and Cooper [Kline], they’ve been playing a lot of tennis, and have been around for a few years,” Coach Megan Kane said. “That’s where our strength is.”

Those seniors are the ones who hope to replicate success from previous years, having been Colonial League regular season champions in 2021 and 2022, winning the Colonial League Tournament in 2021, and advancing to the semi-finals of the District XI 3A Team Tournament in 2021 and 2022. They also recognize the team’s challenges along the way, in the form of teams from Liberty, Freedom, Parkland, and Saucon Valley. However, the whole team is ready to rise to the occasion through cooperation, a constructive mentality, and carrying their individual weights in matches.

“You’ve got to stay positive, you’ve got to always try to play consistently, and always view the opponent as your equal,” freshman Avi Shah said.

Similarly, an individualistic approach also allows the players to set personal goals for the postseason, especially with senior and first singles player Harrison Clark. Along with Kline and Immerzeel, he will make a push towards the District XI 3A singles and doubles tournaments.

“I hope we do well in districts, and I also want to make it to [singles] districts and compete to the best of my ability,” Clark said. “I imagine what it would be like, getting made fun of if I lose, so I try not to.”

Additionally, the team has been hearing from a new voice on the court, with health and physical education teacher Mrs. Megan Kane joining as a co-coach to returning coach Andraea Drabenstott. Having taught many of the players, Coach Kane was ready to support the team.

“It’s fun. I think it’s a great group of guys, and having them, as a teacher, helped me when coming into this situation,” Coach Kane said. “It’s my first time coaching tennis, but just like any athlete, I like to compete and love the matches. I think it’s important to stay focused and not dwell on the mistakes.”

Aside from the near future, the team is also taking strides to prepare for upcoming seasons, after a portion of the current lineup graduates.

“I am hoping the non-seniors and those in the lineup for the first time get lots of match experience this season,” Coach Drabenstott said, “and come back hungry to improve and step up their games.”