By Kishal Shah – Staff Reporter

The Law girls tennis team is preparing to kick off the its spring season.

This year’s team is led by senior co-captains Carol Jiang and Kacey Pagaduan and junior captain Harshitha Kothapalli this year. Law finished 10-10 last season and qualified for the State Tournament for the sixth straight year.

“We have great leadership on the team this year and the girls have been working hard all offseason – through summer practices, conditioning, and tryouts,” Head Coach Mr. Kulenych said. “We have a lot of new faces this year, but it’s an extremely talented group that is ready to put the work in to continue to get better every day.”

As the team transitions into the regular season from preseason conditioning, every member has identified team and individual goals they hope to accomplish throughout the upcoming season.

Jiang hopes to foster a positive and productive team dynamic to ensure the season runs smoothly. 

“This year, I want to foster important qualities like teamwork and communication within the team,” Jiang said. “I want to make sure that everyone is respected and heard, fostering an environment where we are a family.”

Jiang’s methods to enhance team spirit and camaraderie throughout the season involves many team bonding experiences to welcome new players and strengthen connections with returning ones. 

“To build team spirit, the first thing is making sure that everyone is included and feels comfortable. Then it is easier to create strong connections and trust” Jiang said. “We will also continue to have pasta parties, and regular Dunkin runs, celebrating wins throughout the season.”

Pagaduan views her primary role as a leader who aims to welcome members and to build a strong support system within the team.  

“I view my role as someone who can welcome the new people on our team,” Pagaduan said. “I also view my role as a captain as someone who can support and cheer my team on as well as helping any of my teammates in need.”

Pagaduan said that although the team lost a lot of starters from last year, they were excited to have a record number of girls try out this season. She believes that practice will be extremely important as the team looks to gel early in the year.

“My favorite practice drills are when I do doubles drills just because we practice working on communicating with our partner,” Pagaduan said. “I believe it’s a way for us not only to bond with each other, but to also understand each other on the court.”

Kothapalli aims to create a motivated roster of players that can maintain a high level of dedication during tough practices or matches. 

“As a team that is very underclassmen heavy, it’s important that we find ways to continue to support them throughout tough matches and practices,” Kothapalli said. “We always try to make sure teammates are comfortable in their environment and know that they can talk to us no matter what.”

Kothapalli’s goal is to enhance team chemistry and comfortability through bonding opportunities.

“We do small things like fun games at the end of practices to lighten up the atmosphere and host pasta parties to bring the team closer together,” Kothapalli said. “One of our favorite things is cheering for our teammates during matches and making sure they know we’re there for them.”

Senior rBrianna Madelung anticipates a successful upcoming season by improving on any weaknesses during training, so that she can be prepared on the court against her opponents this season. 

“One skill that I am working on to improve this season is to have more consistent serves,” Madelung said. “Overall my serves are faster but a majority don’t make it in on the first try. During matches my goal is to make it in at least half of my first serves to keep the other players on their toes.”

Many newcomers, like junior Rose O’Connell, have definitely felt welcomed and motivated throughout preseason conditioning. 

“During my first season, I want to grow both technically and mentally, improving my skills while learning from my teammates” O’Connell said. “ I’m so excited for this season and can’t wait to give it my all.”

Kulenych said he is excited to see how the season unfolds.

“Our motto this year is ‘Grind now, shine later,’” Kulenych said. “We have a lot of players who are going to play their first varsity matches this year and a lot of returning girls playing in new spots in the lineup, so the goal is to embrace the work and push each other to get better every day. We have a fun, dedicated, enthusiastic group that is going to get better and better as the season goes on.”