The Green Level men’s tennis team kicked off their season on March 3rd with a match against Apex. Since then, the Gators have delivered strong performances, securing six victories while only facing two defeats.
This season brings unique changes for the team. With Green Level’s tennis courts undergoing a complete rebuild, the team has no home matches this year, forcing them to travel for every competition. The temporary loss of a home-court advantage has pushed players to adapt to different environments.
Another change is the men’s tennis team welcoming a new head coach, bringing in fresh leadership. Previous coach Eric Cooper was with the Gators from the opening in 2019 all the way to 2024.
The men’s tennis team has always been super successful, and it’s definitely been such an amazing change for a new coach to come to the program and continue on the accomplishments.
Slater Mapp, a visual art teacher here at Green Level, took the position of head coach. Mapp was determined to keep the men’s tennis team alive.
“One of our players, Will Stellato, is in my 10th grade advisory class, and I had heard that we did not have a tennis coach. I kept on checking in with him last semester and discovered in late December that they still did not have a coach. I played tennis growing up, in high school, and in leagues as an adult. I thought it would be a shame to not have a tennis team, so I spoke to AD Fegeley and I volunteered.” says Mapp.
Mapp also has very high goals and expectations for this season, which have already been fulfilled.
“Many of the boy’s personal goals, along with mine, just boil down to getting better after each practice session and match. Our team goals are to battle every opponent and to support one another on and off the court As such we believe we can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime. Our plan is simple: through hard work and support of one another, we can handle not having courts, intense matches lasting to 7:30, students getting injured, and tough-worthy opponents. We are learning to do “the hard things “and we have each other’s backs.” states Mapp.
Despite these new alterations to the season, the team is embracing the challenges with a strong sense of unity. The hope is that by the time the new courts are ready, the team will have been developing into a stronger and more competitive group. Until then, they continue to push forward, determined to make the most of this season.
The Gators still have 7 matches left in this season and are hoping to finish out in an incredible way!
