The tennis season is starting, and the Wooster community is thrilled for spring sports to begin. Last week, the courts were covered in snow, so tennis practices started in the gyms. With the warm weather this week, the tennis teams are finally able to practice outside. Tennis players are loving the new courts as they practice under the sun.
Both the boys and girls teams had great seasons last year and are looking to have the same success this year. Both of the teams have a lot of people who are eager to play, giving them enough players for a co-ed JV team. Dr. Havard is coaching the JV team this year, Coach Adam is coaching the varsity girls team, and Mr. Sacco is coaching the varsity boys team.
Last year, the boys’ team won the regular HVAL season and was the runner-up in the team HVAL tournament. The girls’ team was the runner-up in the HVAL tournament last year, giving them a solid chance of winning HVALs this year.
“I expect a lot of individual and team growth this year... that's what we work towards in any season, but to not acknowledge that this could be a special year with 6 seniors and some really talented and committed underclassmen, would be naive,” said Coach Adam.
Coach Adam wants to work on creating plans for points during matches. This means going into a point with a solid plan to try to execute. Without a plan, players could be discouraged after missing a shot, but a plan can help them feel better mentally while playing.
“I could be upset with hitting the ball into the net, and that might be where someone could sit mentally for a while, particularly if they didn't have a plan,” said Coach Adam. “But if I were on strategy, or trying my plan, my error can be viewed as missed execution, not an error. Not a failure.”
Mr. Sacco also feels positive. He expects the boys’ team to give it their all this year, which could also lead them to the HVAL finals. He mainly wants to work on doubles with the team, and he wants to see solid partnerships emerge.
As a coach, Mr. Sacco’s goal for the season is to meet each player where they are and look for individual improvement potential. For his team, his goal is to win HVAL’s and qualify for NEPSACS. Both coaches want to make this season count. They want it to be a fun season, but also a rewarding season full of hard work.
Mr. Sacco and Coach Adam have a strong passion for coaching tennis. They love seeing their players succeed and grow throughout the season. Mr. Sacco loves seeing players display the agency, self-advocacy, and ownership that are needed in tennis. He knows that, as generals, Wooster players will always step onto the court with honor for the game, their opponents, and themselves. He loves seeing players cheer their teammates on and find a love for the game.
“There is no greater feeling than a player finding their peak play when it really matters. All the hard work, training in practice pays off, and their peers can watch them compete to the best of their abilities,” Mr. Sacco said. “As a coach, that is probably when I am the most proud of the team.”
Coach Adam loves seeing the defining moment for every player. This moment isn’t always a win. It can be getting back up from a loss or holding their head high after being cheated.
“Everyone has their moment,” Coach Adam said. “Sometimes you can see them coming miles away, and sometimes they just happen. It's just an honor to be there and to be part of the journey as a coach or sometimes simply as a witness.”
Both coaches anticipate that this will be a successful season and are excited to see their players grow. Although they would both love to see a lot of wins, they are most excited to see success for their teams in terms of growth and love for the sport. With a lot of players who are excited to play and coaches who are excited to teach, the tennis season should be very successful.
Fiona '26
Journalism Student
