Spring sports are in full swing at NDA. Many teams have been practicing for several weeks and some have already started the regular season of play. One such team is the boys tennis team led by Coach Steve Burns.

Senior captains Will Schneider and Josh Janssen are excited for the season to get underway.

The tennis team has been practicing since March 25 at Western Racquet. The 6 a.m. practices may take a toll on the players, but it is the only option they have as it is still too cold to practice outdoors. Schneider hopes to be able to practice outside after school starting next week.

The team is currently in the midst of their challenge matches. This is when players play each other in order to determine the singles and doubles order which is created by Coach Burns. The team order will be released sometime this week.

The team opens the regular season this upcoming weekend with a trip down to University School of Milwaukee for a tough opening tournament.

According to senior Will Templeton, “They’re one of the best teams in Division 2, so it will be a good way to get the season started with some competitive matches.”

The tennis season lasts about ten weeks and goes into June if the team qualifies for the state tournament.

Templeton and Schneider are both confident the team will make the state tournament due to their past success in recent years.

It is still very important to not look too far ahead and focus on winning each match because according to Templeton, “It’s a pretty short season, so every match matters.”

The team hopes to be successful this year and go far in the state tournament as it is a very fun experience. Templeton and Schneider both agreed that it is their favorite part of the season.

The seniors have a love for the game and enjoy being able to play alongside some of their best friends. They both want to encourage underclassmen to become involved in tennis and continue the success that the team has had.

Templeton said, “Underclassmen should try out  because tennis is great for all skill levels. It doesn’t matter if you’ve played your whole life or never picked up a racquet.before.”

Schneider agreed and added, “Tennis is a no-cut sport, and it is a game that you can play the rest of your life, unlike other sports at NDA.”