Since its establishment in the 1980s, the Highland Park High School girls’ tennis team has been a fixture within the school’s sports department. This season, the team has remained nearly undefeated with a resounding record of 15 wins and 3 losses as of October 19, placing the Owls players firmly at the top of the White Division. Overall, the team placed 9 out of 28 in the recent GMC tournament. Compared to the previous four years, this impressive win ratio and GMC outcome establish the season as one of the best in recent times.
Despite the team’s record of 15-3 far exceeding the wins of last year's 5-9 record, captain Lucy Wang ‘24 believes that the season has not been “all that different” from previous years. Aside from the season “definitely being more rigorous,” Lucy emphasizes that tennis has maintained being “fun and challenging throughout all four years of [her] being on the team.”
As for a reason behind the successful season, there is “no singular answer,” says Coach Erin Washington. Washington, who has been coaching the girls’ tennis team since 2011, attributes the success to the unwavering hard work of the student-athletes. “The girls work hard, and this year, we have a team of a lot of strong tennis players who are willing to put in time during the off-season,” she confidently tells The Fling. Since the start of the season, the girls’ tennis team has consistently been playing four to five games a week, with daily, student-driven captains’ practices taking place starting in mid-July.
Though Coach Washington facilitates the team, the group is still largely student-run. Like other sports teams at Highland Park, the performance of the team ultimately relies upon the effort student-athletes are willing to put in. “Being a coach means I just train them behind the scenes. They’re the ones performing out on the field,” adds Washington.
Despite the busy scheduling with 4 games a week absorbing vital after-school hours, players still find ways to dedicate time to homework and other activities. Siya Verma ‘25, second doubles player, gives insight into the packed schedules of the players: “Most days, we come back home around 6, which can be considered pretty late. However, our team always dedicates time to school which sometimes does mean working until very late at night.”
While juggling both school and tennis can be “difficult and overwhelming” at times, tennis remains a positive aspect of the girls’ lives. “We all look forward to tennis and wouldn’t exchange the fun we have at practice and games for the world,” adds Siya. Captain Lucy Wang attests to the team’s strong sense of community, “This season has been really wonderful, and I’m glad to end my senior high school tennis season with this group of amazing girls.”
All things considered, the Highland Park High School girls’ tennis team holds immense talent evident in their impressive season thus far. The tennis team holds home games at the Johnson Park tennis courts twice a week and is currently participating in state matches. Follow their Instagram @hphsgirlstennis for more information and updates on games!