The 2026 season for the Wreckers girls’ tennis team kicked off with their first day of tryouts held at the Staples tennis courts from March 21 to March 25. Spots on teams were decided by coaches as the team is now preparing to kick off their 2026 season. 

With the large population of girls trying out for this team, a spot on the varsity roster has become increasingly challenging to earn. 

“There is a lot of competition this year, a lot of good players. I know it was difficult for the coaches when choosing who should be on the team,” varsity player Dylan Lehrer ’27 said. “The freshman class is especially good.” 

The team has two levels, JV and Varsity, with the exclusion of a freshman team. With tryouts concluding and spots being decided, there are 15 girls on the varsity team and 32 girls on the JV team. 

The JV team is especially large due to the fact that there are no cuts for JV. 

“I do think tryouts were extra competitive this year. There were a lot more people trying out than last year,” Lehrer said. “A lot of people were really really good.” 

A spot on this team is clearly a very sought-after thing, as it was reported that 51 girls tried out for the team.

“I really like playing tennis, and the school team gives me a chance to do it more,” varsity player Hunter Rossetter ’27 said. “Everyone’s bonding and everyone’s getting closer, and that makes it really fun. The atmosphere is welcoming.” 

A healthy and positive team environment is key to a successful season for any high school sports team, and this team is certainly no exception to that. 

“What makes this team so enjoyable and special to me is how close we all are. Since we’re a smaller team, everyone really gets to know each other, and it creates a strong bond. It honestly feels more like a family than just a team,” Captain Isa Alfageme ’26 said. “Tennis is something I always look forward to after school, and a big part of that is because of the people on the team.” 

The coaching is also a huge aspect as to why this team has become so popular. 

“I always want to create a positive environment for my players so they look forward to coming to practice and games,” Head Coach Jena Wider said.  “Students at Staples are under a lot of stress, and it is my hope that the tennis courts are a source of fun and stress relief.”