Women’s Tennis is not backing down from any new opponents. As the defending San Andreas League champs gear up for their home opener on Friday against the Warriors of Patriot High School, the team is a much different beast this year.
Both the varsity and JV teams are unrecognizable this season. With only four returning players, the rest of the team is an absolute revamp compared to last year’s team of established veterans. Along with this new team comes new uniforms, coaching style, and a ready attitude that seems to be hyping the women’s team up as they are boiling with excitement for the 2024 season.
New schedule, new challenges
Due to winning the league championship last year, the women’s team has been moved up from the San Andreas to the Sunkist League where the competition level is nothing but the best of the best.
The Yellowjackets will now face the Summit Skyhawks, Jurupa Hills Spartans and the Rim of the World Knights, who have won five league championships in a row. This will make for one of the hardest season’s in Yellowjacket history.
But the defending champs show no fear and look forward to taking on the tough task. “We’re up for the challenge,” said senior Ashley Galvan.
This readiness also stems from the fact that tennis practice is now longer. It used to be two hours, but is now three and a half hours. “It helps us develop technique and bonding skills,” said senior Espreanza Ventura.
High expectations
When women’s tennis won their first ever league championship in Colton High School history last year, it made this 2024 season one to watch.
The Yellowjackets face high expectations for not just a winning season, but to become back-to-back league champs. “It’s a lot in a way, it’s a lot on the team,” said junior Cherlin Cruz.
New team members such as sophomore Mia Morales also had something to say about the level of expectations this season. “There’s gonna be a lot of pressure being new to the team, but we all have each other’s backs.”
Coach Omar Menjivar was cool and confident about the expectations. “People should expect really good YellowJacket tennis,” he said.
Putting in the work
This season will be marked by new players, some who have never played tennis—or even a sport—before in their life. But these underclassmen are putting in the extra work.
“We have to have everyone stay consistent,” Esperanza Ventura said.
Ashley Galvan took a different approach: “Communication. We will be able to play well with it.”
Cherlin Cruz put a physical point on what the team needs. “Getting better at hitting.”
Focus on leadership
Every team needs a leader, someone to get the team hyped and focused in tough situations. This year Ashley Galvan has stepped in.
The four-year veteran is ready and excited to get to know more about her new teammates and providing them with tons of support. “I wanna help my teammates as much as I can so that next season they can do good even after I am gone.”
In addition to Galvan, Esperanza Ventura has also become a vocal team leader with her deep focus and calm response to pressure. “I feel the pressure a little bit, but I don’t let it affect me. I try to focus on how I play on the court,” she said.
To Coach Menjivar, however, while these two captains are essential to team success, he has bigger plans. “I expect everyone to be a leader and have leadership, not just the set captains.”
The future’s looking bright for the defending league champs as they look to prove themselves once again and show that their readiness, positive attitude and great leadership can and will lead to something big this season.
