After a tough season that saw many close games because of a lack of experienced players, the Diamond Bar High School girls tennis team finished with a record of 1-9 in league and 2-12 overall.
“Previously, we’ve always had winning records as well as the privilege of moving on to the CIF,” head coach Tisa Shavers said, “But this time, it is the second year out of 33 years at school that we have not been able to advance to the CIF.”
Luck was not on the lady Brahmas’ side this season, as most of their losses were extremely close games. Besides Ayala, which was the powerhouse in the league, the losses to other schools were of marginal difference. DBHS’ match against Claremont ended with a score of 9-9 and resulted in a loss after counting individual games. When competing against Bonita, the lady Brahmas were tied again at 9-9, and similarly lost that match after counting games. The team was also defeated by South Hills with a score of 10-8.

According to coach Shavers, a major reason for the team’s decline is the large amount of senior players who left last season, leaving only four returning members from last year. Though the girls practice two and a half hours everyday in season, they are on their own when it comes to maintaining their skills out of season. Many players do not participate in many tournaments, as Shavers feels it dampens their energy when they actually play in the CIF.

“I am not satisfied with how our team did this season, but I wish the underclassmen on the team the best of luck. If they work hard, they can definitely be a competitor and hopefully take the league championship back,” senior captain Lauren Kashiwabara said.

Coach Shavers believes the team needs to improve its focus during matches and consistently practice year round in order to progress. However, she has confidence in an upward trend next season, since the new school year has brought in many promising players. Freshmen Ellie Delano and Jaida Wilson have both added a wealth of experience to the team due to their previous involvement in tennis, playing well all season.

The coach commended seniors Samantha Cho and Emily Dang, who have consistently won and made second team in league, as well as sophomore Angeline Cheng who made first team in league for singles. The team was strongest this season in singles, with Angeline Cheng and Jaida Wilson being the most stable players.

Shavers is especially proud of how the girls were able to balance their tennis life with their academics. Many girls have arduous classwork, and require a tremendous amount of patience in juggling their schedules.

“I’m really proud of what they do as a team. Academics is one part of life, and athletics is another,” Shavers said.

One of the team’s most important goals include winning the Academics award. Every tennis team has their unweighted GPA scores calculated, and the best academic team in Southern California will be recognized. Diamond Bar has won this award three times previously, and the team finds the Academic award just as important as the CIF championships.

With the lady Brahma’s GPAs at an average of 3.8, Shavers believes they have a good shot at winning first prize.