Marblehead’s boys tennis team is off to a strong start this spring, holding an 8-1 record and standing undefeated (7-0) in the Northeastern Conference. At press time, the Magicians are ranked No. 15 in the MIAA Division 2 power rankings.
“We have had a good start,” said Coach Elisabeth Foukal. “We have 11 returning varsity players and 10 seniors on varsity, so they have been playing together for four years and have bonded over that time.”
The benefit of having returning players: team chemistry, which continues to build year after year.
Foukal said that’s been one of the team’s strengths this year. It has been led by three captains.
“The three returning captains, Etan Farfel, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts, Matthew Sherf (Bowdoin College), and Jayden Janock (University of Pennsylvania) have shown to be excellent role models and leaders,” Foukal said.
Farfel, Sherf, and Janock play at first, second, and third singles. Foukal also praised her doubles teams for having a “strong” year thus far.
“My doubles team is very strong this year with senior Anthony Vizy and sophomore Ty Cooper in first doubles, and senior Austin Bacon and junior TJ Kelly in second doubles,” Foukal said.
Foukal mentioned sophomore Alex Boehning and junior Adam Loughlin as players who have made impacts, too.
“Alex Boehning is up and coming. Adam Loughlin started on JV his freshman year, took his sophomore year off, and has rejoined varsity and is currently in the top 10 on the varsity ladder,” Foukal said.
Then there are Quinn Sullivan, Graydon Waller, and Nico Altonian, who have also impressed.
When asked about goals, Foukal hopes everyone can “improve their games.
“Whether it is to be more consistent with their backhands, understanding when to go for their shots, improving their positioning, or developing stronger serves,” Foukal said. “I focus on performance goals vs. outcome goals, and each player has a tennis journal where they have written down their individual performance goals.”
Foukal is in her 18th season coaching the program. She’s had plenty of memories throughout the years. When asked to name her favorite, Foukal spoke about a boombox.
“Last year, the boys raised enough money to buy a boombox,” she said. “My favorite part of coaching the team is having the music going during practices and seeing how much fun they are having playing a sport that will last a lifetime.”
Whether it’s winning matches or blasting music, Marblehead’s tennis program is finding success while keeping things fun.
