PHS Boys Tennis Ready for State

By Daniela Garcia

 The PHS tennis team uses being a young team to their advantage by using their quickness and high energy to shut down their opponent. Sitting second in region is a very hard earned spot. With only four seniors on this year’s team, most of their players will return next year. The seniors are Jordan Wood first singles, Connor Hart second singles, and doubles Jakob Johnson and Bryce Clyde.

            At the beginning of the year, entering a new region, the team wasn’t sure what to expect.  Setting individual goals and as a team was very important. They wanted to place first or second in their region and place in state. Individually the goal was to have nobody place less than third.

            “We have three very strong singles players, our doubles can be very strong and they give us good depth. Individually we have a very young but strong team,” said Coach Thomas.

            In March the team went to St. George for a tournament, they placed second in their division and varsity played to the best of their abilities. Over the season each player has improved tremendously and as a team they have grown closer. Coach Thomas has been coaching a total of 6 years, which is 12 seasons. She enjoys watching the kids improve and just the sport is great. Tennis is a very different sport; it is more of individual excellence than as a team.

            For senior Jordan wood tennis isn’t just an ordinary sport.

“Tennis isn’t the average, I’m athletic so I can play, type of sport. It’s a lot more challenging than that. It’s more mentally challenging than physical, but also very physical. I’ve put more time in tennis than any other sport, but if I let the opponent get in my head, than it’s all over,” said Wood.

            The tennis team is working hard to be ready for the state competition in May; we wish them the best of luck and go Payson Tennis!