Briggs Brown
Staff Writer
After a nail-biting 5-4 victory in the state playoffs against Cox Mill High School, the R.J. Reynolds Varsity Girls’ Tennis Team secured a matchup against the second-best team in the state, Page High School. In a hard-fought match, they ultimately fell short of their championship aspirations. Despite the loss, the team takes pride in their most successful season in years and the start of a new era in the girls’ tennis program.
“We fought hard, but it just wasn’t our day,” Junior and one seed, Elizabeth Kim said. “Every player gave it their all and I’m proud of how far we’ve come together this season.”
The team’s first challenge was back in August in the season opener against a strong Bishop McGuinness High School tennis team. The team lost a closely contested match. This loss set a tone of perseverance for a season full of improvements and breakthroughs. Despite the early setback, the team went on to secure the 14th seed in the state, the program’s best showing in years.
“We’ve come a long way,” Kim said. “We built strong connections, not just on the court, but off it too. We overcame a lot this season, especially with only seven players. The win over Reagan was a big one for us, and it showed how far we’ve come.”
That sense of unity was palpable all season long. The team’s success was not just about their individual skills, but the close-knit bond the team had built through the triumphs and tribulations of the season.
“There’s just a great group of girls,” head coach Johnny Highsmith said. “They got along well, they generally genuinely liked each other, and there was good camaraderie, sportsmanship, and support. I give credit for that to the captains, Sarah Rhoades Cox and Noora Hosseinzadeh.”
Cox and Hosseinzadeh’s leadership was pivotal in the team’s success, complemented by strong performances across the team. With only seven players on the roster, the team heavily relied on each other. This reliance on each other is further illustrated by their success in doubles play.
“We had three really solid doubles teams,” Highsmith said. “When we went to Reagan, all three doubles teams won to secure second place in the conference. A very strong showing from the girls.”
The root of the team’s success comes from their work ethic. The team met every day after school and planned for the upcoming match, building off of their previous shortcomings, and becoming overall more capable players under the leadership of Coach Highsmith and the senior captains.
“This year I have noticed every member of my team becoming more skilled on the court.” Sophomore and number five seed, Evie Soriano said. “However, one member showed up and out this season, with a perfect singles record in the conference, and an impressive doubles performance: Elizabeth Kim.”
Looking to the future, the RJR Girls’ Tennis Team is poised to continue its upward trajectory. Elizabeth Kim is set to take over as captain next season and plans to focus on the strong foundation they’ve laid this year.
“I want to continue hitting in the offseason and help our players grow with plenty of drills and keep it fun with games here and there,” Kim said. “I still want an emphasis on the closeness of our team and a positive environment.”
The team is losing three crucial members as they plan to graduate in the spring. They have a few strong middle schoolers coming in from Summit School, and they hope to continue their momentum into next season.
“We’ve built something special this year,” Soriano said. “And we’re only going to get better from here.”