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The developmental program: Leading our JV tennis team to success
The developmental program: Leading our JV tennis team to success
By Marlo Butler '28
Staff Writer
Often, teens believe that starting to play a sport in high school is too late. They believe to be good, you must begin in childhood. Dina McBride, Louisville High School’s head tennis coach, is challenging that mentality with her newly introduced Junior Varsity program.
Designed as a developmental program, it gives beginner to intermediate players a great foundation in the sport, teaching the techniques and skills needed to succeed.
“When we have a legit JV team competing, they become a feeder for our varsity,” Coach McBride explains.
The more players who participate in JV and stay with tennis, the stronger the varsity team grows overall. The JV program goes to show that players do not have to be tennis prodigies in their freshman year. With good coaching and commitment, becoming a top-tier athlete during your high school years is entirely possible.
Liv Ingebristen ’28 and Ellie Estrin ’29 winning a point at practice.
The developmental program is not specifically limited to freshmen. It welcomes any high school student regardless of their grade, opening opportunities to anyone with passion, drive and determination. With a willingness to put in the work, anyone is capable of success.
The JV team already had the opportunity to compete head-to-head against Agoura High School, and some players even joined the Varsity team in their match against Westlake, building confidence and inspiring more practice.
Game time reps are crucial for the personal growth of aspiring payers. Coach McBride plans on playing at least six matches with the team, (twice as many as last year) creating more opportunities for our players to test their skills and grow strong through competition.
“Being able to be part of the team has been so exciting, I’m loving learning alongside my friends,” said Katie Cole ’29, Captain of the JV team. Her leadership and attitude are great examples for new players joining the program.
Meanwhile, the Varsity team recently traveled to Clovis for their season kickoff tournament and placed second in division 3, moving up from division 5 last year. Both JV and Varsity continue to gain momentum with Coach McBride’s structured approach and the growing interest among Louisville girls. The tennis program is on track to becoming greater than ever before.
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