By Jay Ahuja

Winning may be great but winning with your team gives each athlete a bigger boost at having done their best together.

The NNHS boys varsity tennis team has truly learned what it means to win as a team. A majority of the team has been playing together since their freshman year.

“We are team with a lot of depth, which is our main strength,” said Varsity Coach Heather Hendericksen.

Last year, the NNHS tennis team went 17 and 4, finishing second in the DuPage Valley Conference.

A lot of returning varsity players are now seniors and they have one goal: compete at state.

“This year’s looking really bright.  All of our double and singles players are almost equal in skill.  Any one of us can compete at state level, which will give us a huge advantage,” said junior tennis player Eric Swan.

But Coach Hendricksen is unsure.

“We have a realistic shot at sectionals, but I do not think this is our year for state. We have a lot of senior leadership on this team, and that will get us far, but not far enough.”

The NNHS tennis team lost to Naperville Central by one point last season, which is how they ended the season ranked second in the DVC.

“That will change this season. Even though Naperville Central is supposedly better than they were last season, this team is a special one. When there is a huge match on the line, you can just look over to the sidelines and see teammates from every level cheering you on,” Swan said. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

Even though the coach believes that state isn’t realistic, the players believe in themselves — that’s all that matters.