This year the Parkway South boys tennis team is acting the competition like never before, serving up a dedication to constantly improving their skills.

Since the beginning of the season, all of the players have been working as a team, while individually mentally and physically preparing for this year. The freshman players have especially been practicing and learning new things about tennis,and it’s paying off. Players like Dawson Lackey are striving to become they can, and may even volley that confidence to go to state.

One player who epitomizes the Parkway South tennis team is sophomore Carson Haskins, who is one of the top players in the country. But he’s also a true leader who has played a major role in the success the team has had this season. And he plans to only get better.

“Since I started playing tennis, there has always been pressure on every match I play — and because of that, I always have to carry that with me,” said Haskins. This year I think could be of my best in my highschool career from having new opportunities to play with and against other players. Our goal this year is to hit .500, but we might even be able to make it to state if we work hard enough.”   

But even with having these talented players every team still needs an equally talented coach. Thankfully Parkway South has a great coach in Nicholas Tanurchis. Coach Tanurchis has worked with Parkway as a coach for 25 years, and he thinks this year will be another great one as well.

“I have really been pleased with the effort during practices and the level of improvement I’ve seen with all of our returning players,” said Tanurchis. “With Carson returning and other key players who already have varsity experience such as Kushal Marri, Don Kern, Tom Shutzman and Avi Dodabele; we are really hoping to have a winning season and go far into the postseason.  In addition, the arrival of Pietro Bertone from Italy has been a very pleasant surprise who has currently earned the #3 spot on varsity singles.”

Key Players: Carson Haskins, Pietro Bertone, and Dawson Lackey

Key Matches: Parkway West, Marquette