East Jefferson girls’ tennis built skills, morale, and team size this spring, but still struggled to find wins.

“We gained many athletes,” said doubles player Brooke Tomasetti, a Chimacum sophomore. “Last year it was about 20. This year we had 30-plus. We had some athletes quit, but more joined over the course of the season, because many girls talked about how amazing it is. Word got around.”

More players meant “definitely more competition for varsity spots this year,” Tomasetti added. “This season was also more fun. We’re all improving as a team, but 30 players practicing on four tennis courts is complicated sometimes.”

The Rivals (0-6) went winless in Nisqually League team play, but EJ players won some singles and doubles matches.

Early in the season, “we all were nervous and lost a lot,” Tomasetti said. “As time went on, we became better and started getting some wins!”

Team victories proved hard to come by, Tomasetti said. “Many schools we go against are private Christian schools. Many of those girls get personal training and play all year around.”

EJ’s tennis season concluded at the Nisqually League Tournament at the University of Puget Sound on May 9-10. No Rival qualified to advance to the district tournament.

“We had a really good season,” said Coach Tom Gambill. “Our goals were number one, to learn tennis, and number two, have fun. I know we did that!” 

Gambill’s athletes certainly appreciated his efforts. 

“Coach is the best,” said Tomasetti. “He gives helpful tips and guides us through practices to perfect our moves and serves. His love for the sport really shines through.” 

“Coach Gambill is an amazing guy,” agreed Chimacum sophomore Olivia Lawson. 

The Rivals built a strong team vibe. 

“We became stronger together and generally had fun,” said Tomasetti. “We grew into friends” while remaining “competitive.” 

“I love the group of girls that play,” said Port Townsend junior Juliette O’Hara. 

“All of us would have pep talks,” Tomasetti added. “We focused and brushed off small mistakes. We all supported each other.”

 The Rivals also developed a greater love for the game. “You can really just focus on your own improvement,” said Calliope Mosher, a Chimacum sophomore. “You don’t need a lot of people to play, so it’s really easy to practice in your spare time.” 

O’Hara finds tennis a nice change of pace after the rigors of winter basketball, relishing the spring as “the time to play an easier sport for fun. And, I love it when it's warm out.”

 “I will definitely play next year during my senior year,” said O’Hara.

Carmen Carter is a student and Brian MacKenzie a teacher at Chimacum High School.