Rising stars journey toward triumph with team unity

By Jaecee Cantiller ’24

As the 2022-2023 Varsity boys tennis team’s season came to an end, the team finished in a better position than they were before, having their strong bond close the year with a smile.

With both new and returning players this season, the team had much improvement on their teamwork. Although it had a slow start for players to blend together, the team has bonded both on and off the court.

“We are in a tough league and no matter what we are able to push through and always hold our heads up high,” said Coach Paul Stevens ’08.

Their strength of uplifting emotions allow them to persevere whether that be through a loss or a win.

Through the consistent push this team has persisted through, and they still faced many challenges.

Team member Khang Nguyen ’23 stated, “Despite the weather conditions that impacted the team’s performance, every season, the team was still able to beat the odds and work together to improve and achieve successes.”

Being present, focused, and passionate helped the improvement of the team’s performance.

This season will further impact the future of the Varsity boys tennis team, as every player has personally improved through the work they went through.

They secured first place in the Freedom High School Tennis Tournament, and won a couple games in the WCAL.

This season was a build up towards the strong spirit and there is a bright future waiting for the team.

“As a senior, I’m pleased that our team is getting better than ever and somehow all the members have dedication and ambition in all the games. Every member on the team contributes to what we are today and I believe there’s a bright future in the team,” said

Don Tsang ’23.

Although the seniors are leaving, the players and coaches hope to strive for the best outcome in the future, building on the seniors’ positive mentality, as they are hungry for victories.

Stevens said, “We have a lot of skill throughout the team and it will only get better!”

Golfers link dedication with skill to master sport

within the group becoming a big part of their improvement process.

“I feel like this year we made it our job to make sure we are close as a team because if we are not we can’t work together,” Banuelos added.

Many of the underclassmen feel improvement working with their older team members and their coach, including Alden Thai ’25, saying, “Seniors have helped me in almost all parts of the game. I feel really lucky to be a part of this team.“ next year[...]”

Regardless of grade, the players are equally matched. According to Isola, a difference of one and a half strokes sets apart their number one player and their number six player. He added, “This year’s team is probably the most consistent team I’ve ever coached.”

Alden

By Taylor Tran ’25

The complete silence on the bright yet windy TPC Harding Park course is a harsh juxtaposition to what goes on in the minds of the Riordan boys golf team when teeing off.

Their eyes are on the ball, hands steady and firm, holding their club with determination.

“Firstly, I’m checking the conditions, like how strong the wind is blowing, how hard the fairways are, and how fast the greens are. Then, I’m thinking about the best way to play each hole - like how far away the flag is, where the bunkers are, and what kind of shot I should hit,” Jaden Chin ’25 said, listing necessary observations he needs to make when playing.

The team is constantly hard at work, practicing four days a week after school from Monday to Thursday and playing other schools weekly. They’ve won 5 matches so far this year, and recently won their match against Sequoia for the second time this season, 219-234.

Boys golf has grown in the past year, their abilities improving immensely from the previous 2122 season.

Senior member of the team Hector Banuelos ’23 stated,“Our team is doing amazing compared to last year. We are working better as a team to help one another improve day by day.”

Ever since golf had quickly started up again at Riordan, being the first sport back on campus after COVID, the eight boys on varsity just as quickly bonded with each other, with mentorship

Even if the younger players’ mentors are soon-to-be graduates, Coach Jeff Isola ’98 said, “Will and Hector’s graduation will be a big loss for the team next year, but we also have an excellent group of young golfers returning

The group is on the course to becoming even better and developing their skills to the best of their abilities for years to come and for the rest of this year, their season not being over yet.

Chin reiterated, “We try to focus on playing our best and letting the results take care of themselves. That being said, we’re always striving to improve and compete the best we can.”