As the courts are defrosting, the boys tennis team is warming up for an exciting and eventful season. Although the season has just begun, the team has already found success during its first few major tournaments.
“[On the weekend of April 5], we played in the Brookfield Central Tournament and took third amongst some of the top teams in D1 state, including last year’s state champions, the BC Lancers,” said Jesse Perez, coach and social studies teacher. “During the tournament, we defeated De Pere and fourth-place D1 finisher Kimberly High School.”
Perez, who brings decades of experience playing and coaching to the program, attributes the team’s early successes to its strong bond. He explains that the team has seen some of the largest numbers of participants yet this year, despite having no senior players.
“Right out of the gate, I’m so impressed with their cohesion and with our sheer numbers,” Perez said. “As of right now, we have about 30 players, with three or more still planning to sign up.”
According to JD Thiel, junior, the team has been incredibly thorough in its preparation for the season.
“During the offseason, many of our players were playing indoor tennis through the Milwaukee Tennis Education Foundation,” Thiel said. “Some of the tennis team members—including myself—have also participated in a United States Tennis Association Indoor League. We also have captain’s practices outdoors at Rufus King High School when the weather is good.”
According to Thiel, the team’s practice schedule of five times a week during the season allows them to constantly refine their skills.
“When the coaches lead the practice, we get a nice warm-up in, followed by challenge matches and some drill work,” Thiel said. “We focus on technique, ball placement, and just getting better as a unit.”
Junior and team manager Emerson Rienzi shared a positive outlook for the season ahead based on the team’s strong dedication.
“The boys’ team has been preparing pretty much all year long,” Rienzi said. “They definitely have a lot of dedication to do well this year and succeed and they’ve been putting a lot of hard work in, a lot of hours in, and I honestly think that they’re going to do great this year.”
Thiel states that this in-depth preparation will aid the team as they look toward bigger goals.
“We’re really focusing on winning the conference,” Thiel said. “We’re also looking to win our sectional or be one of the top two teams in our sectional and advance to state.”
Last year, junior Max Reeve qualified for state for #1 doubles, and had the opportunity to play through the second day of the championship. He shared that he found motivation for the coming season in this experience.
“If you win your matches on the first day you go on to the second day, and then if you win those you go to the finals, but we did not,” Reeve said. “I would like to make it to state [this year]—be conference champion and make it to the third day of state and stand on that podium.”
While individual accolades are always a goal, the focus remains on team success.
“Personally, I’d like to continue working my way up our singles lineup,” Thiel said. “I also look to win individual conference at the singles slot that I play this year. But at the end of the day, it’s about helping the team win conference, and potentially, state.”
In Thiel’s eyes, one of the team’s strongest assets is its chemistry.
“We push each other in practice, but we also cheer vigorously for one another during matches,” Thiel said. “There’s no rifts in our team. We’re a strong bunch.”
Rienzi, having observed the team during practices and matches, agrees.
“It’s definitely young and lively and there is so much life and just loud noise, and I think all of them [being] together honestly just works up the entire team because it’s so energetic,” Rienzi said. “It’s great to be a part of such a fun group.”
The team’s spirit is further strengthened through various traditions and activities.
“Before games, we usually circle up and start chanting like the Greyhounds, and then we get someone to break it down and jump in the middle, and we all start barking like a bunch of dogs,” Thiel said. “We [also] do team dinners every once in a while—pasta and tacos. It’s about finding ways to hang out with the team and share our common goals.”
During the dinner before the conference tournament, many of the players dye and/or cut their hair as a way to showcase their excitement and dedication to the sport.
“There will be some good haircuts to come,” Reeve said.
Although tennis is often seen as an individual sport, Thiel says the team maintains its strong sense of unity and camaraderie.
“The bond [the team] shares is special,” Thiel said. “We have a common objective and working together to accomplish [it] creates a sense of community.”
Many players recommend joining the team, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the sport.
“Tennis is great, it’s a lifelong sport; it’s a great game to learn how to play,” Thiel said. “You can make a lot of connections through it. I would say it’s welcoming, it’s a sport where there’s a lot of kids in the team who haven’t had a lot of exposure before high school. I’d say just get out there and see if you like it.”
Furthermore, Reeve has enjoyed translating his positive experience joining the team a few years ago into his leadership today.
“The seniors when I was a freshman taught me a lot and I’ve kind of taken what they’ve taught me and transitioned that to my relationship with the younger members and that’s been really special,” Reeve said.
Additionally, Shorewood students and fans are encouraged to support the team at upcoming matches.
“Come out; we need a lot of support at the matches this year,” Thiel said. “The Shorewood tennis fans are a little rambunctious at times, but we appreciate the energy.”