Temps are still hot here in Austin, and so the LTHS Tennis Team as they begin their fall team-play season. With a winning season so far (and most likely ahead), these rock stars are ready for anything that comes their way.
“We have a lot of strength and depth in the boys’ team, a lot of seniors with good experience, so we are going to really go out there and try to win a lot of doubles matches,” said Carol Creel, head coach of LTHS tennis. “We have a lot of newcomers on the girls’ team, and I’m really excited to see them play. It’s going to be a good year.”
With victories against Dripping Springs (10-9) and Round Rock (12-7) under their belt, players are settling in and looking forward to upcoming matches against schools including Westwood, Bowie, Westlake, and Austin High School, just to name a few.
Rourke O’Shannessy has been playing tennis since 7th grade, but has been around tennis his entire life thanks to his father, Craig O’Shannessy, world-renowned tennis coach and analyst. When asked about his favorite part of fall tennis and goals for the season, O’Shannessy said, “I like being with all of my friends and supporting the team. That’s a big part of team tennis. [I] hope to make it as far as we can, win a bunch of matches, and make some upsets.”
For those unfamiliar with the difference between team and individual high school teams, here’s the lowdown. Team tennis is typically played in the fall with 19 total matches overall – three girls doubles, three boys doubles, one mixed double, along with six girls and six boys singles. Each match counts as one point to the overall team score.
In the spring season, a player either plays singles, doubles, or mixed double, and they advance individually, not as a team. The minimum number of players you need for a team tennis match is seven boys and seven girls, as they can play both singles and doubles.
Carly Krothe, a senior leader on the varsity team, has been playing for seven years. When asked about her goals for the season, she said, “My individual goals are to be a good team player, especially in doubles for my partner, and then also for the team to avoid conflict with other teams.” Krothe’s dedication to hard work is evident both on and off the court, as she is among the top academic achievers on the team, ranking in the top two percent of her class.
Coach Creel, who is entering her 25th year at LTHS, shares the same dedication and passion for the sport as her players. “I’ve seen Lake Travis grow from a 4A all the way to a 6A. We’ve had quite a few trips to state, seven state championships, and it’s been a good run,” said Creel. “Seeing kids play in high school then become lifelong tennis players and do great things academically – that’s been great to watch.”
Ready to watch the Cavs work their magic? Check out their upcoming schedule, grab a friend and head to a match to cheer them on.
