Contrary to the cliché, there is no safety in numbers.
Not for Sequim High’s girls tennis squad, which has plenty of players (36) on the court but few returning varsity players (three) to defend the Wolves’ 2009 Olympic League title and undefeated season.
"This is the greenest, least experienced team with the most total beginners since I’ve been here," says Sequim coach Mark Textor.
Despite the challenges ahead, Textor remains optimistic – more about how the season will play out than the team’s win-loss record.
"What we do have is great attitudes and a willingness to learn," he says.
Sequim’s best match-time instruction may come by example from Kyla Hall, a senior who’s hoping to become a three-time state qualifier.
As a freshman, she and teammate Stephanie Reed took third at districts and missed the state tourney only because of a rule denying one team all three state berths. As a sophomore, Hall teamed with Blaire Maloney to qualify for state and last season the pair took sixth at the state tourney.
This year she may go on her own as a singles player, Textor says.
"I’m optimistic of her chances (as a singles player)," the Sequim coach says.
Two other returning players are Katrina Chan, who was 1-1 as a singles player and undefeated in 10 matches in doubles play in regular Olympic League matches; and Stacy Hanson, who in regular league play was 5-1 as a singles player and 4-0 in doubles play.
Chan and Hanson paired up for a win against Klahowya in their only time as doubles partners last season and may share the court often this season, Textor says.
Besides those three, most of the remaining 33 players are young in age and in experience.
"They are eager and very coachable, Textor says. "Hopefully that will go a long way to improving. This season is about learning the game."
Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.
At a glance: SHS girls tennis preview
Head coach: Mark Textor (12th year overall)
Assistants: Lisa Corbit, Rich Hay
2009 record: 12-0 in Olympic League play (champions); advanced two doubles teams to state 2A tournament, tied for seventh place
Returning players: Kyla Hall, Katrina Chan, Stacy Hanson
Newcomers: Brianna Almaden, Emma Barrell, Ana Baylon, Brittany Brown, Sage Brown, Ellen Cain, Rebecca Case, Courtney Cassal, Helen Collins, Jessica DeFilippo, Kelsy Feten, Mackenzie Hagstrom, Alice Hastings, Kaitlin Heike, Emily Jakubisin, Sarah Marble, Katelynne McDaniels, Anna Mittmann, Stephanie Nguyen, Calli Norman, Kortney Oen, Serena Okamoto, Quinn O’Neil, Tenisha Powless, Anna Prorok, Samantha Schock, Elizabeth Shore, Hanna Smith, Hillary Smith, Natalie Stevenson, Andrea Tjemsland
Key dates: March 24 vs. Klahowya; April 14 at North Kitsap; April 21 vs. Port Angeles; May 4 vs. Kingston
Outlook: Sequim’s reign as top team in the Olympic League may be over, but the Wolves’ top three players have an opportunity to post strong seasons, particularly Hall.
