Last spring, Wakefield High School’s men’s tennis team took first place in the conference. With an overall record of 13-4 and undefeated in conference play in the 2023-2024 season, the team proved its undeniable talent and abilities. This season, the team wishes to not only repeat its top position in the conference, but to also advance further into post-season tournament play. With individual goals from players and strong team ambitions, this varsity group is ready to win big. 

Wakefield has won the men’s tennis conference for six years in a row. This year their main goal revolves around repeating this achievement, but tough conference matchups may stand in the way. Senior and one of three captains, Thai Nguyen, knows this will be a difficult task. However, he believes in his team’s ability to continue developing their tennis skills. 

“[The teams in] our conference [are] getting stronger, so there’s a lot of room for growth for us,” Nguyen said. “But I am sure we will grow as much as we can.” 

Nguyen also acknowledges the new potential on the tennis team this year. With the addition of six new freshmen, the team’s season is looking bright.

“The new players are pretty solid,” Nguyen said. “I definitely see a lot of potential in each one of them.”

Being on the tennis team means contributing by playing either single matches or doubles, or in junior Weston Shrimanker’s case, both. The success of the group comes down to the success of each player. Shrimanker understands the dire need for an individual to perform to the best of their ability in each match.

“I hope to be a big part of all our victories, like winning my individual matches and contributing to the team,” Shrimanker said.

Another senior and captain of the team, Amir El-Kaissi, does not take his leadership role lightly. He understands the importance of his position and how he can influence his teammates to perform to the best of their ability. He also emphasizes how he can boost the morale of the team.

“Captain is a role that I’ve looked up to since I was a freshman,” El-Kaissi said. “Captain to me means holding everybody together and giving those who deserve it a hard time, all in fun love of course.”

The work of the captains significantly contributes to the success of the team. By fostering a focused and inclusive environment, players are able to improve their skills. Eli Uttridge, the third captain and senior on the tennis team, stresses the efforts of all the captains. 

“All three seniors in the starting lineup this year have been on the team since we were freshmen, so the younger players understand how much we have put into this team,” Uttridge said. 

This effort from leaders and teammates alike ultimately leads to winning—a feeling that makes the preparation worthwhile. Uttridge explains how the team stays encouraged all throughout. 

“We keep each other motivated by the thrill of victory,” Uttridge said. “Beating a big rival in a close match is a feeling that you can’t buy.”

With hard work and dedication towards these goals, the team is sure to reach their hopes. Determination will allow for skills to shine, and as in the tennis team’s case, win championships. 

“Our team’s mindset for the season can be summed up in a quote our coach loves to use,” El-Kaissi said. “‘let your will exceed your skill.’”