No coach, no court

Brynn Kightlinger, Ava Blau-Grinsel, and Vail Newman

March 10, 2026

Boys tennis is put on pause after losing their coach

“You’re going to lose sometimes, but you just have to suck it up and move forward,” said Hubb. Photo by: Brynn Kightlinger

VHS counselor and now former boys tennis coach, Mary Anderson, has given up her position of coaching for the team after an injury to her wrist. The team began searching for a new coach this season but was unable to find anyone to fill the position in time for the 2026 spring season. Anderson was planning on stepping up again but after injuring her wrist, she is unable to coach for the boys this season. “I am very hopeful that we will be able to find a tennis coach by next year. I am thinking positive thoughts that a parent might step up or that another great coach is located that wants to grow the program and keep it alive,” said Anderson.

The boys’ tennis team consisted of 13 players last season, and placed fourth in the league, making it to CIF in Division 6. Now, many of these same students are without a sport this spring. “It’s a real drag and it’s sad that there is a lack of interest, and our coach got injured so she can’t really do a lot with a racket, and then no one really wants to be a tennis coach with a bunch of unruly players,” said former tennis player Chet Hubb ‘26.

Without a coach, it is unrealistic for these players to have a season, as there would be no one to be in charge of the team and bring them to matches. “I loved the players [and] team and loved serving as a Cougar coach because I enjoy bringing out the best in students whether that be for academics or athletics. I consider it one of the highlights of my career here at VHS. The parents, team members, and assistant coaches were just a joy to work with and I do miss the team a lot,” said Anderson.

Two players from the team, Travis Rail ‘27 and Evan Stepp ‘27, have joined track as an alternative sport to participate in during the spring season. “It came as a major shock to me that we wouldn’t be having a tennis team this year. It was my main sport so it was disheartening to hear that we wouldn’t have a season at all. I have found an alternative however as I have started running track and that has been going great,” said Rail.

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About the Contributors

Brynn Kightlinger, Online Editor in Chief

Brynn Kightlinger is a junior at VHS in her third year at The Cougar Press. She is excited to interview people around campus. She enjoys sports, smoothies and sandwiches.

Ava Blau-Grinsel, Managing Editor in Chief

Ava Blau-Grinsel is a junior at VHS in her third year at The Cougar Press. She loves music, the ocean and trying new foods.

Vail Newman, Print Editor in Chief

Print Editor-in-Chie

Vail is a Junior at VHS and is in her third year at The Cougar Press. She enjoys sports, going to the beach and exploring.