The sun beams on the courts as players warm up their serves, rackets slicing through the air. Players improve their rallies as they practice for the upcoming district tournament.
The Texas High JV Tennis Team competed in the district tournament in Longview, Texas, on April 28, 2025. Eight other schools stood in the way of the Tigers.
“I think we should do well,” Coach Ann Tarwater said. “We should hopefully come in first or second place.”
This positive outlook sets the stage for the upcoming competition, but Coach Toby Watson is quick to recognize the challenges ahead.
“You have Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Jacksonville, Nacogdoches, as well as Lufkin,” Watson said. “I think our strongest competition is going to come from Whitehouse and Hallsville.”
Watson notes that both singles and doubles play can be improved.
“I feel like our doubles teams really need to focus on being aggressive at the net and taking as many opportunities to poach,” Watson said. “In singles, I think we really need to work on our depth of shot and try to be patient in working points until we have opportunities to be aggressive.”
This focus on aggressive play and patience highlights Watson’s opinion on the two special players’ performances.
“Our standout students, I would have to say, in singles on the boys’ side are two pretty experienced guys, Carter Banks and Duncan Powell. [They] have done well for me this spring,” Watson said. “On the girls’ side, we also have Alli [Altenbaumer], who’s done well in singles, but I think there are standouts all around.”
Watson highlights the achievements of experienced players, highlighting the team’s strengths. Freshman Alli Altenbaumer proves to have the right mindset while in play.
“Strategies that I need to work on that I think will make me a better player involve staying positive,” Altenbaumer said. “Sometimes I feel like my mindset is what is holding me back and I need to focus on what I can control, which is believing that I can rise to the occasion.”
Altenbaumer emphasizes that having a positive mindset is crucial; however, building relationships with her team can set her up for success.
“I work with my team to be the best I can be by communicating and getting to know each one of them as a person,” Altenbaumer said. “I feel it is very important to know how your team views and expresses themselves, so we know how to support each other on and off the court.”
Sophomore Carter Banks, however, focuses on his individual growth as he prepares for district on the court.
“I plan on preparing for district by practicing as much as possible,” Banks said. “I need to work on moving the ball around the court more and focusing on winning the next point instead of focusing on the next game.”
Banks’ focus on in-game strategy corresponds with the emphasis on consistency and learning from past experiences.
“The strategies I will be working on are staying consistent and learning to develop the point,” freshman Duncan Powell said. “I have learned that from previous tournaments, I will get too cocky when up and choke the lead, so this time I will give 100%.”
