The boys’ tennis team is in line to start fresh this season with a clean slate and a new head coach at the helm of the program: Craig Raway. However, he is no stranger to the Apple Valley tennis program as he previously was the junior varsity coach of the boys team for the past four years prior to the resignation of former head coach, Bruce Gullikson.

“Much of what I have learned to do on court has come directly from [Bruce]. A lot of the messages will be similar to what they have been in the past as far as tactics,” said Raway.  

What this will mean is working on volleys and putting points away from them during competition. Under Gullikson’s coaching, practice meant a lot of volley work and learning to get up to the net.  

However, one change to the program is that the varsity team will play an expanded schedule this year. “Varsity in particular will play a bigger schedule, which will hopefully help assure that they are playing their best towards the end of the season heading into sectionals,” said Raway.  The team has a new section assignment in Section 6AA instead of previous Section 3AA. The Eagles made it to section semi-finals last year in 3AA, but lost to #1 seeded East Ridge, who isn’t in their section this season.

Heading into the season, depth of the roster will play a major role in success for the Eagles.  Depth is important as the team only has to win 4 out of the 7 matches, in both singles and doubles combined. It is important to have a greater amount of consistent players on the roster who can win at their respective level. This can pose a problem as Raway says that “a lot of matches will be decided on if you can win lower in the lineup.”

Despite this obstacle, Nesseth isn’t worried for the season. “All of the returners are good friends and team chemistry will be good,” he noted. This is critical in a sport where communication on the court is crucial in order to get to ball.

Kelly also isn’t sweating over it as he has a goal for the team: “Make it back to [section semi-finals] as a team.”

The boys will start tryouts over spring break to see who will make the varsity roster. Their first match will be a home opener on Thursday, April 7th, against Washburn High School in the arena.

“I have high hopes to do very well in the section tournament this year and I’d love to get to state,” said Kelly, ready to start his closing season.