Madison Girls' Tennis Returns Core Group for a Positive Season

MADISON, NJ - Leadership and sacrifice are two of the key factors for the Madison girls' tennis team for the upcoming fall season.

The coaching staff have finally put together a comprehensive plan that includes a tennis program contract (student code of conduct), a vast amount of easily accessible resources, attending the US Open Fan Week a yearly event, a state-of-the-art rubric for tryouts, streamlining challenge matches to resemble a bracket tournament, and individualized practices that allow players to grow and get the assistance needed as well as staying in shape with rotation stations.

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"It took Coach Diamante and I almost two years to put all of this together and I hope that we can really push forward with building a program (girls and boys) that will attract talent to stay in Madison over time", said Coach Carrera. After ending last fall in disappointment with a 5-11 record, coach Carrera knew that it was time to finish up the plan to revamp the program.

The boys tennis team became the official trial phase and, with a little bit of tweaking over the summer, the plan looks to be in full effect.

"There are a few minor things to deal with, such as better fundraising ideas and booster club assistance, but I think we are on the right track", said coach Carrera.

The varsity team for the 2024 season returns a number of players who have experience, but the coaching staff is really looking for that true leader to emerge from the group. One of the team's losses from last season was 4-year starter and senior captain Carly Macrina, who provided the majority of the leadership and was very vocal in trying to unite the players. "I have never had a player who embodied the spirit of a captain and leader as Carly has. Someone who sacrificed her time to help others during the summer months and who would always put the best interest of the team ahead of hers", said coach Carrera. It remains to be seen, but the coaching staff has the hope that several girls are able to step up into that role for the season.

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At first singles, captain and 4-year starter Kaden Peterson is hoping to finish off her high school tennis career on a positive note.

Coach Carrera had this to say about his first singles player, "Kaden has 27 overall wins for her high school career. I can definitely see her getting to 30 overall wins this season, at the least, and maybe another double-digit winning season. My goal for Kaden is for her to close out her career positively on and off the court and that includes growing into a capable leader, who can motivate her teammates and provide guidance to them even when no one is watching".

At second singles, Caroline Bibbee is hoping to bounce back from a rough sophomore season.

"I have high hopes for Caroline. She had it rough last year, but she did produce two big wins to help the team. She needed to have a season like last year in order to grow as a player," said coach Carrera.

At third singles, the coaching staff is hoping to get a much-needed spark from sophomore, Korryn Peterson. Peterson, who is a standout lacrosse player, has the athleticism needed to be successful at the position.

"Korryn is someone that has the tools needed to succeed at the third singles position. While it could take some time, she will be fine in the position. She has great athleticism, and she is a sponge with regard to wanting to improve", said coach Carrera.

That leaves the two doubles pairings. The coaching staff has a mix of experience and improvement at both spots.

Coach Carrera said, "Doubles is where your team is made or broken. The ability of the doubles teams to take pressure off of the singles players is key to staying in matches".

Carrera, who was a specialized doubles player in high school, knows very well that the key to doubles is outsmarting your opponents, sticking to a game plan, and making the needed adjustments to minimize errors. The first doubles team is made up of Kate Scarpa and Alexis Maroukian. Maroukian played first doubles last year and Scarpa has shown great growth from her first-year in high school. At second doubles, the coaching staff were glad to see co-captains Sadie Tricarico and Mackenzie Dickson emerge from the pack. Both Tricarico and Dickson bring a willingness to learn, and they were JV doubles pairings last fall.

The varsity team has a packed week ahead with four scrimmages in four days. The JV girls will play three scrimmages in four days.

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