Juniors Zoe Robinson (left) and Tinsley Johnson (right) play a doubles match against Durham Academy on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Last season, Robinson and her sister Calista qualified for regionals as a doubles team for the first time. Photo by Norah Lubeck
The Riverside’s Women’s Tennis team is off to a strong start this season.
The Pirates are currently 6-3, and secured their first conference win against Hillside on Sept 3.
After a historic 2024 season that ended with a winning record and sending a doubles team to regionals, Riverside is hoping to build on that momentum for an even stronger showing this year.
Senior captain Ryan Foley said the program has evolved since her freshman year.
“We’ve built such a good team,” Foley said. “We’ve gained a lot of really good players that are consistent.”
Key to this upward momentum has been the addition of standout players like sophomore Isabella Balin and junior Zoe Robinson, now the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 seeds.
“I know we’re building really strong doubles teams,” Foley said. “A lot of these girls play at Croasdaile, so we gained experience playing together. We know each other’s styles so I feel like that’s going to be something we can improve on.“
Foley acknowledges the challenge of replacing last year’s seniors, including former captains Calista Robinson and Jordan Oakley, but says the team has stepped up.
“Everyone’s gotten better over the summer… I think our goals are just [to] continue what we did last year,” she said.
Balin shares Foley’s optimism.
“This year we’re more focused as a team,” she said. “I definitely think we’re doing a better job this year of cheering on our teammates…that just boosts the atmosphere, making it [feel] more like a team and less of an individual sport.”
The team culture has been a major focus this season, especially with the addition of a new assistant coach Aaron Lubek. The players said he’s brought a fresh energy to practices.
“He’s just so positive,” Foley said. “He does a lot of personal drills with us and he’s really helped the team grow.”
Despite the competitive nature of challenge matches early on in the season, and the pressure that comes with internal rankings, Foley and Balin both say the team culture has remained strong.
“Every year we’ve done more activities together and I feel like we’re a tight team,” Foley explained. “Especially after hard challenge days, Nellie and Norah and I have been talking about going out and reminding everyone we’re still a team.”
The Pirates have key upcoming matchups against traditionally competitive schools.
“Next we’re playing East Chapel Hill [on Thursday],” said Balin. “They’re always good, so I’m looking forward to it. I think it’ll be a close one.”
