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This season the NS boys tennis team has held a 7-5 record and continues to succeed well working hard toward region competitions. With brand new courts, the team has enjoyed practices and home games throughout the season.
“It’s a wonderful new facility – the district has been so good. It’s really nice to not be in the middle of the parking lot,” coach Matt Braithwaite said.
The team plans on adding more to improve the courts. Braithwaite has looked into purchasing bleachers, a sunscreen net, and building a new storage shed. Thoughts about building and sharing a storage shed with the soccer team have been thrown around, especially now considering that both facilities are closer than ever.
Coach Braithwaite also expressed that eventually they would like to have access to running water and electricity, which would allow better access to bathrooms for fans and players. The aim is that the new courts will draw an interest to all high school students, with the intent of growing the tennis program and building a bigger fan section.
“I hope that we’ll have an increase in interest as we keep pushing the program forward, that kids and students will have moments to come over and watch, and maybe be able to wanna come play in the future,” Braithwaite said.
With fewer athletes and one coach, Braithwaite had to develop a new practice system. Players work in rotations, which has proven to be easiest with the athletes and their coach. However, it’s become hard for Braithwaite to reach out individually to every player, especially during matches.
“The biggest thing you’re obviously trying to fill is that you’re reaching out to each of the boys so that they get the help and attention they need in their development,” Braithwaite said.
Regardless of the situation, 2nd singles player and team captain Luke Olson has learned how to manage his mentality on his own.
“Matches are filled with ups and downs, it’s kind of like up to you to keep yourself steady,” Olson said. “You can’t get too high or get too low.”
With one coach, Olsen knows it’s been hard for Braithwaite to manage one on one feedback, although the four team captains have been a huge asset in teaching incoming athletes. Luke Olson, Caden Madsen, Liam Mitchel, and Jake Haus were selected by their teammates to help lead the team.
