News Summary

The Sedona Red Rock High School tennis team is gearing up for its 2025 season, facing the Kingman Bulldogs in their first match. Coach Andrew Ellis leads a roster primarily composed of seniors, aiming for a successful year after a tough previous season. Fresh talent, including the Calogero sisters and motivated athletes like Rubin Lyn and Reymond Papas-Collins, adds to the team’s excitement. Coach Ellis is also looking to enhance recruitment efforts to build a strong foundation for the future. High hopes and determination abound as the team prepares to make their mark on the court.

Sedona Red Rock High School Tennis Team Gears Up for 2025 Season

As the sun shines over Sedona, excitement is in the air as the Sedona Red Rock High School tennis team prepares to kick off its 2025 season. The first match is set to take place at home on March 18 at 3:30 p.m. against the Kingman Bulldogs, a team considered a challenging opponent. With high hopes and some fresh faces, this year’s tennis squad is ready to rise to the occasion.

A Resilient Team Takes Shape

This season brings a wave of optimism, particularly from the team’s coach, Andrew Ellis, who is returning for his third year at the helm. The roster features mostly seniors, with the aim of ensuring these seasoned players have a memorable final year. Last season’s struggles – which resulted in an unfortunate record of 0-9 – stemmed from a noticeable lack of player attendance. Balancing extracurricular activities has been a challenge, but adapting is key to keeping this sport alive and thriving within the school community.

As they gear up for the new season, the buzz among players is palpable, especially from senior standout Olivia Glatt, who has focused on sharpening her serve and expanding her skills by playing against a variety of opponents. With plans to head to college on the east coast after graduation, Glatt is eager to make this final year memorable.

New Faces with Big Dreams

This year’s squad also embraces exciting additions, including two sisters from Florida: Ashley and Emily Calogero. Ashley, a senior, began her tennis journey at just seven years old, encouraged by her family. Excited to join the Sedona team for her final year, she has enjoyed her time so far and is grateful for the support from her teammates, particularly in adjusting to match tempos against strong players like Olivia Glatt.

On the other hand, freshman Emily Calogero is already making waves as a potential contender, with aspirations of reaching the state championship. Describing her style as aggressive, she places emphasis on her strong groundstrokes and serves. However, her primary focus remains on improving her game and contributing to the team, rather than fixating on individual victories.

Encouraging New Talent

The team is also bolstered by motivated athletes, including sophomore Rubin Lyn and junior Reymond Papas-Collins. For her debut season, Rubin aims to hold her own in matches, bringing valuable cardiovascular endurance training from track and field to the court. Meanwhile, Reymond, with his experience in the sport, is keen on improving not just his own strength but the overall team dynamics during practice sessions.

In a positive twist, coach Ellis is committed to presenting tennis opportunities to the Sedona Charter School’s Governing Council in a bid to bolster recruitment and build a strong future for the program. Unfortunately, the Charter School recently decided to close its middle school program due to enrollment issues, which might affect the tennis team’s recruitment pool in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

With the excitement building ahead of that opening match against Kingman, Coach Ellis has expressed some ambitious goals, including the hope that this team could achieve an undefeated season, a feat last accomplished in 2021. The players have displayed determination and camaraderie, crucial ingredients needed to turn the program’s fortunes around and establish a legacy.

As the Sedona Red Rock High School tennis team steps onto the court, high hopes and fresh energies will surely help them create a memorable season. With dedicated players and a supportive coach, it seems the Sedona tennis squad is ready to swing into action and make their mark.

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