Boys’ Tennis Determined to Succeed with the Addition of New Head Coach

KEVIN KONG
Sports Editor

This season, the varsity boys’ tennis team, along with their new head coach Tom Jelsma strives to defend their title for the third consecutive year. The Moors last game against Temple City reulted in a score of 1-17. They currently have a preseason record of 0-2.
“[Our] first goal is to win league [because] we have [to]defend our league title. I think the main thing I’ve brought this year to the team has been [the] will to win and very intense practice habits,” Jelsma said.
The team’s practice consists of running, stretching, warm-ups, coach-led drills, individual drills, match play and conditioning. Many players believe that Jelsma’s practices are more intense than previous coaches’ with his new conditioning methods. Their practices tone their muscles and endurance to prepare for later matches.
“The team has been prepping for the preseason by doing a lot of intense drills to improve our forehand [and] backhand serves and volleys,” sophomore Douglas Pang said.
According to Jelsma, the Moors are strong in their doubles teams, but still require improvement in their singles team, footwork and the ability get to the return serve quickly enough.
“Our goal is to, of course, come out as league champions. So far, our main goal as of now is to improve our strategies and technique,” captain John Chen said.