With the spring season in full bloom, McLean’s varsity girls tennis team is preparing for their first match, which will take place on March 12 against Washington-Liberty at home. They are looking to follow last year’s success, where they finished the regular season with a 12-2 record.

“The team is looking really good this year,” junior Cara Goethert said. “We sadly lost some seniors last year, but we have a bunch of new members joining this year who are really good.”

This year, the team is working especially hard to improve their team dynamic on the court.

“We’re trying to make sure we have good doubles teams, which was one of our struggles last year,” sophomore Katelyn Gray said. “Everyone did amazing in singles, it was just our doubles that [lacked]. We figured it out towards the end of last season, and we’re definitely going to be working on that this season.”

Another focus the team has this year is strength training. The team has incorporated team lifts into their practice schedule.

“[Weight room] is definitely making us stronger, and all of us are super sore,” Gray said. “It’s good for team bonding and helps protect ourselves from injuries.”

In addition to improving their physical strength and game tactics, the Highlander tennis squad is also deepening their team bond. With the addition of six new team members, it is important to them to foster a welcoming and warm environment.

“We made ‘welcome to varsity’ posters for the new team members,” Gray said. “We also do stretch circles at the end of practice, which helps us talk and get to know each other.”

Although practices usually run independently, the team is prioritizing teamwork and collaboration this year.

“We have really been focusing on building the team,” Goethert said. “Tennis is an individual sport, but we think it’s vital to be a team.”

Tuesday is the first game of the season, where the team will be able to show off the hard work they have been putting in during the pre-season.

“We have done many practice matches with one another to build match play and strategy,” Goethert said. “As a team, we are so hyped for W-L on Tuesday. They are a good match to start with and I think we should be able to win and have it be a great start to our season.”