As the 2025 varsity tennis teams’ seasons are now over, it is clear that their dedication, hard work, and collaboration paid off. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams built on their momentum and success last year, continuing to improve the Benjamin tennis program.
Junior Ishe Makoni noticed this development. “I think the season went really well. In my opinion, the biggest thing that defines a good season is consistent improvement. I really saw that in the team this year, especially at the end of the season,” said Makoni.
The season’s success was not only seen by the players, but also was measured through their competitive success in both districts and regionals. Players from both teams qualified for and played in the state championship tournament.
“We were able to qualify for states as a team, and I was able to qualify for the individual bracket. As a team, we ended up losing in the semis, but we fought all the way to the end. Individually, I ended up losing in the final of what was called the ghost draw, meaning I got state runner-up,” explained sophomore Maria Navarro.
The boys’ team had similar success for some players. “Our first-line singles and doubles seeds qualified for states, but as a team, we did not make it that far,” shared Makoni.
This success comes not only as a result of the individual skills of the players but also of the practice and training style of their coaches. The teams had wonderful camaraderie and support for each other.
Makoni describes the practice schedule, “We practiced every Monday and Friday as a whole squad and Wednesday optionally since we had matches every Tuesday and Thursday.”
Navarro believes the positivity of the team was one of their strengths, “I think the team environment that we created was a huge part of why we were able to do so well. We were all there cheering for each other and supporting each other along the way, which put us at an advantage compared to other teams. On top of that, the team put a lot of hard work in throughout the season, and it really paid off in the end.”
This season was extremely memorable and meaningful to all of the players. Each one had their own favorite memory that had to do with the team and the matches they played.
“My favorite part of the season was going to states. It created a college tennis type environment, and the support that came from everyone was really fun to play with,” exclaimed Navarro.
The various wins of this season leave high expectations for Benjamin tennis next year and in the future. The players are ready to live up to these new goals as they prepare throughout the summer and the fall of next year.
“I’m playing tennis more consistently now and will continue throughout the summer in preparation for next season. I will also try to play as many tournaments as I can and have as many private coaching lessons as possible,” said Makoni.
While neither of the tennis teams won the state championship, they did show their drastic improvement as players and teammates. The girls’ team was able to bring a state runner-up title back to The Benjamin School. Hopefully, this same energy and enthusiasm will be brought to next year’s season.
