Generally deemed an individual sport, tennis can prove challenging when it comes to team bonding and connection. Tennis often lacks the dependability of teammates like other team sports such as soccer or basketball.
Xavier tennis, despite having only 10 members on its varsity team, has defied these preconceptions with strong connections and support of one another, while also performing at impressive levels.
The Gators are the defending Division I state champions, beating the Desert Mountain Wolves by a score of 5-4 in the 2024 state championship.
Senior captain Julia Chrostowski notes the importance of leadership in creating a cohesive team. “As seniors, our main priority is to foster a close-knit, supportive and hardworking tennis community where we can always count on each other,” Chrostowski said.
The four captains for this year’s team are Chrostowski, Gabrielle Dinan ‘25, Maggie Henry ’25 and Chayse Clingan ‘25.
These four girls are all a part of the six-player lineup used in high school tennis. These seniors, plus two fellow teammates, all compete in six individual matches and three doubles matches, needing to win a majority of five matches to win the duel.
Their fellow teammates who have contributed to the Gators’ success include juniors Ava Coover and Calista Pennell; sophomores Addison Solomon, Paolina Stender and Sylvia Vercellino; and freshman Leighton Champagne.
This separation of gameplay, while posing a challenge for team chemistry and unity, allows athletes to grow and improve as individuals.
Co-head coach Khristen Vanderwey recognizes the enhancement of each of her players’ games in the first half of their season. She hopes their success from last season will continue to positively impact their play.
“Winning state last year has given the girls confidence to step outside their comfort zones and take more chances, which is only improving their individual games while benefiting our team as a whole. It’s so fun to be a part of their growth,” Vanderwey said.
The Xavier team has found a way to utilize its individual success and improvement as means for bringing the team closer together. These efforts are what have created the amalgamation of players who work together to support one another.
Dinan recognizes the bond her team has created, and attributes this connection to every member of her team, working together to better one another.
“Our team dynamic has definitely evolved. We’ve all stepped up in different ways, supporting each other through the tough moments. Whether it’s someone taking on a leadership role or just being there to pick each other up, that sense of unity has been crucial. It felt more like a team than ever before,” Dinan said.
