Savannah High School Tennis Sets Sights on a Championship After Last Year's Runner‑up Finish

When the final line‑up was posted at the end of last spring, Savannah High’s tennis team could only sigh in satisfaction – they had fought hard, taken the runner‑up spot at the regional championships, and walked away with a taste for more. That lingering “almost‑there” feeling is now the fuel behind a very different preseason meeting this fall.

Coach Marcus “Mack” Donovan, who took over the program two years ago, opened practice with a straightforward question: “What does it take to be the best?” The answer, he says, is a blend of experience, fresh energy, and a little bit of patience – a mix the team already has in spades.

Returning seniors Alex Rivera and Jenna Patel, both singles stand‑outs last season, are already acting like de‑facto captains. Rivera, who posted a 6‑1, 6‑2 win in the championship final, mentions that his biggest goal isn’t personal accolades but “getting the whole squad to trust each other on every point.” Jenna, a doubles specialist, adds that the team’s chemistry feels stronger now that they’ve had a full year of off‑court bonding.

But it isn’t just the veterans leading the charge. Freshman left‑hander Maya Chen, who dominated her junior circuit in the summer, impressed Coach Donovan with a “natural swing and an appetite for competition.” She’s already slotting into the #3 singles spot, a rare achievement for a first‑year player. Alongside her, sophomore duo Eli Turner and Luis Martinez have cemented themselves as the team’s go‑to doubles pair, boasting a 5‑0 record in exhibition matches.

The schedule this fall reads like a road map to redemption. After a three‑week “spring‑training” stint at the downtown courts, the Hawks (as the team is nicknamed) will face off against long‑time rivals Eastside Academy in a best‑of‑seven dual on Sept. 24. That matchup, traditionally the season opener, often sets the tone for the entire campaign.

Following the Eastside clash, Savannah will travel to the “Tri‑County Classic” – a round‑robin tournament that draws schools from three neighboring districts. It’s here that Coach Donovan hopes to test the depth of his roster, rotating newer players into singles spots to give them real‑time pressure experience.

Beyond the hard‑court battles, the program has taken a surprising turn toward mental conditioning. The athletic department has partnered with a local sports psychologist, Dr. Lina Ortega, to run monthly workshops on focus, resilience, and handling the inevitable “big‑match nerves.” “Tennis is as much mental as it is physical,” Ortega explains, “and these young athletes will benefit from tools they can use on and off the court.”

Community support also feels palpable. The school’s booster club has already pledged a $5,000 equipment upgrade, ensuring every player has fresh strings and personalized grips. Local businesses, from the downtown coffee shop to the hardware store, have lined the perimeter of the home courts with banners, reminding the Hawks that the whole town is watching.

All told, the sentiment in the locker room is cautiously optimistic. “We’re not just trying to improve our ranking,” says Rivera, “we’re trying to finish what we started last year.” With a blend of seasoned seniors, promising underclassmen, and a coach who knows how to turn potential into performance, Savannah’s tennis team may just rewrite the script and lift the championship trophy this season.