“The team’s attitude, work ethic, incentive to learn, and synergism are the strengths of the team,” stated Ontario head tennis coach Tom Pawsey.
The girl’s tennis program at Ontario High School welcomes fresh faces for the upcoming season, having graduated eight seniors last year. “This is the youngest team I’ve ever coached,” noted Pawsey. In total, there are approximately 10 girls on the team, with two seniors, Destiny Burdine and Kelsey Baker.
Despite the players’ lack of varsity experience, Pawsey noted that the girls have been working hard during summer conditioning. For conditioning, they attended the Lakewood Racquet Club, where they brushed up on their skills. “I haven’t had a problem with attendance. These girls are dedicated and have made sure to come to conditioning every day,” he said.
Senior Destiny Burdine, and junior Alexis Shambaugh, were among those who trained at Lakewood during the summer to prepare for the season. It was at Lakewood that they both learned how to play the game of tennis, and since then, they each have worked to improve upon their skills, hoping this season to demonstrate their hard work on the court.
Burdine will serve as this year’s co-captain, along with fellow co-captain, Kelsey Baker. Burdine has played singles all four years of high school. Her personal goal is to advance in the sectional tournament, but she also hopes the team will grow closer and help the younger players along.
Looking back on her three years with the tennis team, Burdine stated that she’s most enjoyed the late night bus rides home from their matches. “We’d have fun on the late night trips, and sometimes we’d stop and grab food. I was the hyper one, too, so it was pretty fun just hanging out with the girls,” she said.
This will be Shambaugh’s second season with the Lady Warriors. She played doubles last season and hopes to play third singles this year. “I’ve been learning a lot and looking forward to this season,” she said.
“We’re hoping to be competitive by the second half of the season and create effective skills for future seasons,” stated Pawsey. “But regardless of the results of the matches, these girls’ attitudes are great, and I’ve enjoyed coaching them.”
“But regardless of the results of the matches, these girls’ attitudes are great, and I’ve enjoyed coaching them,” stated coach Tom Pawsey.
