Senior Spotlight: Boys’ Tennis

In recognition of our incredible spring senior athletes, GSB will be providing spotlights on the members of the Class of 2020. Our next edition focuses on the boys’ tennis program, which features Tyler Lynch ’20, Evan Matthews ’20, and Frank Xiang ’20, with comments from coaches Raymond Knight and Chris Walsh.

 

Thank you, Knights, for all you did during for Gill during your time here!

 

Coach Knight: "During this very difficult time, I really feel for the players, especially the seniors. With the limited amount of time I had to work with the boys, I really enjoyed seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for the sport of tennis! The boys really worked hard and enjoyed working together during our time we had together. The seniors, Tyler, Evan, and Frank participated for four years and demonstrated excellent leadership qualities. I look forward to working with the boys again when the time is right!"

 

Coach Walsh: "I echo the thoughts of Coach Knight and feel extremely sorry for the boys during this very unfortunate time. I have had the pleasure of knowing the three seniors for four years, and I really am impressed with their work ethic and enthusiasm for the sport of tennis! They exemplified what it is to be great teammates for our program. Their commitment and constant effort to improve is a credit to the effort they always put in. Tyler, Evan, and Frank are special student-athletes!”

 

Tyler Lynch

 

First Doubles

 

I love playing tennis because I have a passion for the sport and have been playing it for almost 10 years.

 

The most important lesson I learned was having a strong mindset and not giving up.

 

Making it to the third round of counties in junior year.

 

Evan Matthews

 

First Singles

 

I love playing tennis because it’s something that combines comradery and competition

 

The greatest lesson I learned from GSB athletics is that hard work and determination pay off.

 

My favorite memory competing for GSB athletics is the end of season banquet, in which the accomplishments of the team are recognized.

 

Frank Xiang

 

First and Second Doubles

 

I really like the importance of being consistent in tennis. If you stay consistent and continue to return the ball to your opponents, you will do well! I like that tennis is less intense than some of the other sports as far as injury is concerned. However, I do like the intensity of an exciting hard-fought match. Also, tennis is a life-long sport and that is important to me!

 

I really feel that you respect your opponents and enjoy the competition at the same time. If we were getting ready to play a difficult opponent, Coach Walsh would constantly remind us that the score is always 0-0 at the beginning, and we always have the opportunity to win each match. He would say do not get wrapped up in the record of the other team, it is 0-0 when we start! Also, in tennis, many times it is more important to work smarter, not harder.

 

When a tennis match is very close, there are times that the match will be decided in a tiebreaker. Winning matches in tiebreakers is very special to me! Also, I really enjoy serving in tennis, and as I continued to practice my serve more, I was able to be successful and that is a great feeling to be able to improve!