Spring sports have begun at Freedom and this year’s tennis team is ready to battle it out on the courts. Mr. and Mrs. Simard took the team under their wing last year for the first time and they have many exciting expectations for the new season.

“My goals for the boys this year is to be undefeated and have a chance to play in states. For the girls, we have a pretty good team this year. We have some new freshmen and we’re bringing in new people. It’ll be a lot of fun,” said Coach Simard.

The team has already completed tryouts and the teams have finished the process of challenging each other in matches to figure out the seeding arrangements. So far, the seeds for both the girl’s and boy’s teams have changed from previous years.

“One thing that we want to change this year is to make sure that everyone has a chance to move to different levels on the tennis matches. It’s become very competitive for both the boys and the girls; we’re going to have more challenges where someone can move up and have the chance to play,” said Coach Simard.

The tennis matches officially start the week of February 1^st and the players are prepped and ready to score some wins for Freedom.  The boy’s and girl’s teams alternate playing home and away games, but that doesn’t stop the two groups from forming great connections and having fun together during practice.

“It’s a lot of fun because the boys and girls teams get along so well, they play against each other, and it’s just a great team as a whole,” said Coach Simard.

With the majority of the team being seniors, the players are hopeful for a great last season of high school tennis. Although tennis is not technically a “team sport,” Freedom’s team has developed a great chemistry from playing throughout the years.

“I love tennis season because each year I get closer and closer to my teammates,” said senior Elizabeth Cheung. “It’ll be sad having to leave such a great team. They make the sport enjoyable and I couldn’t have asked to play with a better group of people.”

“I’m really happy to be part of this team and I think we’re going to do well this year and have a great season,” said junior Lindsay Strickland.

Senior, Dean LaGattuta has been on the team since his freshman year and has helped the team reach many victories. He hopes to maintain the team’s successful reputation on the court and aspires to win districts this year.

“We’re expecting a successful season this year. Over the past two seasons we’ve earned a 20-6 record, including a district runner up and a trip to regionals,” said LaGattuta Team Captian. “This year, we’re anticipating continued success and are eyeing the possibility of winning districts. We’re strong at all positions u and down the line up. We’re confident, excited, and ready for the season.”

The coaches of the tennis team already love the game but they especially love being able to coach a team of great players and great people.

“The team has so many great personalities,” said Mrs. Simard. “We enjoy working with all of them. The kids are what make it so fun.”