The varsity tennis team became state semi-finalists at the championship meet at Mitchell Tennis center at Texas A&M Oct. 26. 

“It’s cool to see all these kids that have put so much hard work, so much time and get to see that payoff for them,” tennis coach Randal Namanny said. “To see them compete was outstanding. They just had a lot of getting out there and competing for their teammates.

At district, the team won and advanced to bi-district where they beat Farmersville 19-0. They advanced through both area and regionals beating Anna and Wills Point to advance to state. 

  “My team and I compete until we have left every skill on the court,” junior Zoe Bozick said. “This team will play until they have nothing left but what they have given.”

In the first round of state, the team competed against Randall High School and lost. Senior Ian Wishart and Sylas Dutton won their doubles match against Randall.

“Going to a state tournament has always been one of my highest goals,” senior Soren Peterson said. “It feels amazing to have finally achieved it.”

Since the start of school the team begins practice everyday after school until 5:30 or 6 along with many tournaments throughout the semester. Many students of the team attended Fusion and practiced over the summer to prepare for this year.

“Everyday we practice and exert every amount of effort we can,” Bozick said. “Besides the physical portion of playing tennis, our mentality is extremely important to how we play. We put everything outside of the fence away and just play tennis.”

Spring season begins early January and lasts until about March or April. Last year, Lindale had three players make it to State in the spring. 

“We have put countless hours into this sport,” junior Jayson Stewart said. “Half of our lives have been spent on court. Our results are directly proportional to how much work we’ve put in.”