By Emma Dalton, staff writer
The boys Varsity Tennis team is currently at 9-2 this season and has already faced their toughest competitors. Brookfield Central, ranked eighth in the state, beat the previously undefeated Hawks. Muskego is the only other team that defeated Indian Trail.
Even after losing their top three players who graduated last year, the Hawks have prevailed and come back even stronger this season.
“This team has actually gotten stronger for a couple of different reasons,” said Head Coach Bruce Bloedorn. “Kids in the program have been developing their playing ability and we also got lucky this year with getting a foreign exchange student coming to Indian Trail with some remarkable skill.” The Hawks are destined to continue improving in the future. Primarily made up of juniors, the team will continue to show growth in future seasons. The Hawks are strong on both ends of the spectrum, according to Bloedorn. “As a coach, I look at my very best player and I look at the kid who is just coming out to tennis equally,” he said. “Some who are just learning the game of tennis end up buying in to the program and by junior or senior year they are playing varsity.”
To the graduating seniors, Bloedorn couldn’t be more proud. “To the seniors — this is your year to shine and lead by example. I have a very good group of seniors, particularly my captain Nivas Muthuraj and his doubles partner Mario Del Real,” said Bloedorn. “They have put in a lot of hard work and I just appreciate their presence on the team.”
Nivas Muthuraj is more than satisfied with the start of the season.
“Personally, Mario and I have had a good start placing second in the Palmen Invite and are 6-2 on the season,” said Nivas. “ However, we’re still looking to improve and get better.”
Nivas had some advice for his underclassman teammates. “Don’t be discouraged or afraid to fail. Failure isn’t permanent. I remember my freshman year, I would have a lot of trouble at times when playing against tough competitions. Those losses made me a better player and put me in the position I am today,” he said.
“The harder you work, and the more time you spend on getting better, the more your results will show.”
Other seniors in the program had advice for their teammates.
“Don’t assume you are bad because you’re having a bad day or week. Keep working hard, focus on a goal, and you will pick up quickly,” said senior Maharshi Rawal.
One of Coach Bloedorn’s favorite quotes has modeled the way he teaches his players the mindset needed to be successful. It was stated by seven-time World No. 1 singles champion Chris Evert.
“You’ve got to take initiative and play your game. Confidence makes the difference.”