After making history by reaching the semi-finals in CCS last year, the Los Altos High School girls varsity tennis team is looking to go even further. With their impressive lineup — including junior Bella Mariona, who took first place in CCS girls singles last season — it might just happen. 

“We have the potential to do really well this year because everyone’s been working really hard at practice, during preseason, and everyone’s getting along really well,” Bella said.

Like many of her team members, Bella’s main motivation is improving her skills and playing her best. 

“Numbers are important for tennis,” Bella said. “But it’s not entirely about winning. I like playing the best I can and maximizing my potential. I guess I am improving my numbers, but I like working harder.” 

Singles player sophomore Emily Wu shares this goal. This season, her focus is improving her offensive skills and mental game during matches.

“Most of the time, I’m super nervous before a match,” Emily said. “My rhythm just feels completely off. But the more I play, the more that feeling goes away. I try to tell myself to relax and just have fun while trying to do my best.”

For both Bella and Emily, although playing their best is their main reward, watching their teammates play and supporting them is equally fulfilling. 

“I’m really excited for this season because I want to get closer to my teammates,” Emily said. “Everyone on the team is very supportive, and they all really believe in and care for each other.” 

It’s the same story for sophomore Cory Medeiros, who plays singles. Although she attends school online and practices at a tennis academy instead of at LAHS to focus on her tennis career, she still values her time with the team. 

“Honestly, I enjoy high school tennis more than competitive tennis outside of school because you just have a team,” Cory said. “When I’m practicing with the team or watching them play, I’m like, ‘This is why I chose tennis.’ I love the team, it’s just a good environment.” 

Head Coach Hung Nguyen has also noticed the team’s camaraderie. He partially credits that to them traveling to the annual Point Loma Tournament in San Diego last year.

“I’m glad we have the tournament, it’s a really good team bonding experience and it makes our team more united,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen not only aims to reach the semi-finals in CCS again this year, but to go even further. Showing the promising season they have ahead, the Eagles won the Tyler Nii Memorial Champions Cup at Monta Vista High School on Thursday, August 29, their first tournament of the season. 

“This is probably the deepest team I’ve had in a long time,” Nguyen said. “Nothing’s guaranteed, but I’m definitely excited.”