By Grace Krane

With four senior tennis players returning and an overall increased interest in the program, it is possible that the Bellbrook men’s tennis team may win the SWBL championship title for the first time in nearly four years this upcoming season.

Ohio Tennis Zone recorded an overall 71% win percentage for the team last season. Hopes are high for the returning members as many have been working hard to improve during the off season. 

The week of March 6 marks the first day of tryouts for the team.

With excitement and anticipation for the season filling the air, there is certainly some pressure that comes with the last season at Bellbrook for seniors Nikhil Mall and Jacob Grismer. “We have been second in SWBL every year since 2018 because Oakwood has a really good Men’s Tennis program,” Mall said. “But we are feeling confident this season. We have potentially four returning seniors and most of us have been practicing hard in the off season.” 

Many players are looking forward to the start of the season and the packed schedule that comes with it. “We have practice everyday after school and usually during April we have about 4-5 matches during the week and one on the weekend,” Mall said. “I enjoy the busy schedule, but it can be tiring.” 

With lots of opportunities to practice and get better, senior player Jacob Grismer is most looking forward to his teammates. “I am excited to just hang out with the team again,” Grismer said.  

The team enjoys relaxing together in their down time, and has started a tradition of going out to eat together. “Sometimes after matches we ride in the van together to a restaurant to celebrate how we played, and that is really fun,” Grismer said. 

“We are with each other all of the time on and off the court, and are really looking forward to tryouts and playing with our coach, Mili,” Mall said.