The Clarkston girls tennis team has new home courts and a new head coach, but the goal is the same as always-make it to the state finals.
‘My goal is states,? first year Head Coach Craig Judd said. ‘I have hotel rooms booked in Midland for October. That’s part of our season and it’s on our schedule. It’s on our schedule to be in Midland in October when they hold the state finals. Two years ago, we finished fourth in the state and last year we finished fifth at states. My goal for the team this year is to change the direction and be third or above.?
The Wolves return nine players from last year’s varsity squad, including three of four singles players: Alyssa Lucas, Darylann Trout and Nicole Janek. Judd said all three players have similar strengths.
‘All champion tennis players start with having an extraordinarily good mind and can focus extremely well,? Judd said. ‘So if you ask me what qualities my best players have, it starts with their mind and they can focus over a long period of time. They all also have good form. They have developed good quality strokes. The third thing they all have is a gigantic amount of determination.?
The doubles team’s were not established at press time for this edition of The Clarkston News, but Judd said the doubles teams should be solid.
‘We just got done deciding who is on varsity and who’s on junior varsity, so I’m not sure who is where,? Judd said. ‘I’ve seen them play and I have high expectations for them. They need to produce points for our team. I’m confident we will do that, but we don’t have the teams put together yet.?
The Wolves hit the court for their first action on August 23 at the Troy Invitational.