After a long season filled with hard work and determination, girls’ tennis, 16-3, claimed victory in the Division One playoffs after their final match with the Chatsworth Chancellors.
Last year, the team placed fourth in the city. Determined to prove themselves this year, the Gondos’ main goal was to win.
The journey to the playoffs was not an easy one. The team faced many challenges, and every time a challenge came, they overcame them.
Junior Ella Wind, a captain alongside senior Kali Lapeyre, recalled the obstacles the team experienced.
“Playoffs were really long because we had to play a bunch of games, missing all day of school,” she said. “It was hours and hours of playing.”
Players and captains emphasized the girls’ resilience throughout the playoffs. Highlighting not only the physical, but the mental barriers as well.
“Everyone had to overcome the mental part of bringing the intensity to game days,” Wind added.
Despite facing adversity from the beginning to the end of the season, each player discovered their strengths along the way.
“I think as a team this year we really strengthened our bond a lot more,” Lapeyre said. “We have this Tik Tok account, and I think making those videos and even taking Instagram photos together somehow made us a lot tighter and closer.”
Coach Andrew Horen put a spotlight on the freshman talent the team had this year. Noting the show of grit freshman Zoe McCloud, Amaya Bridges, and Brees Bridges had during their sets.
He also highlighted juniors Jessica Yamashita and Penelope Smith, who were undefeated throughout the playoffs.
“Everybody stepped up; it was great,” Horen said.
Horen also gave credit to Wind and Lapeyre, who gave it their all and contributed to the team effort.
“In the years before friendships were very grade based,” senior Izzy McKinley said. “But the seniors reached out to the younger grades, and I think we all developed closer friendships.”
It’s safe to say the girls are leaving this season as smarter players with better shot selection, and a stronger understanding of teamwork.
The team is only graduating three girls. Many players are optimistic about the young talent the team has to offer, aiming to make it to CIF next year.
“Our team is still going to have a lot of young talent to grow off of,” Wind said.
This current team is sure to go down in Venice High School’s history books, as they are a true display of outstanding performance through combined effort.
“The way the girls worked together in practice and kept improving throughout the year made the difference between winning and losing in the end,” Horen said.
