This fall, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy sent its tennis team to CIF finals for the first time in school history. The season began in September with the team battling local high schools for a spot in CIF playoffs. It culminated this November with playoffs lasting roughly two weeks, during which the team defeated schools including Santa Fe, Oakwood, Golden Valley, and La Quinta before meeting up with Marshall for a climactic final match.
Searching for apparent differences between this season and seasons past, Grace Garrity ‘25 highlighted the team’s closeness.
“This year our team was the closest we have ever been and I think that really contributed to our success. We were all very supportive of each other and encouraging, which was helpful to keep our spirits up even if a match didn’t go our way. Being so close made us all also work really well together.” said Grace.
Though the team ultimately came second in the league, their performance in the final match wowed onlookers.
“I’m so proud of our students and was so impressed watching them compete individually on a court (or in doubles) with the whole crowd watching,” Mrs. Rebecca Bostic, FSHA principal and a spectator at the match, said. “I just couldn’t believe the amount of pressure I would have felt in that situation and so I was just inspired by their focus, their boldness, and their talent.”
Reflecting on their remarkable achievements in the final and beyond, members of the team returned to their strong kinship.
“Our coaches kind of brought us together. We were very close and we knew that, no matter what, on or off the court, we were there for each other,” said freshman player Karine Grigoryan ‘28.
One of the team’s coaches, Ms. Isabella Gutierrez, known affectionately to FSHA students as Coach G, echoed this sentiment as she said: “I think we were one team. We really focused on building a strong team, so the girls bonded and they were extremely proud of being part of the tennis team.”
Contemplating the future of the tennis team, Coach G said she expects the players to hone their foundational skills in practice. Freshman player Remi Wang ‘28, meanwhile, shared her ambitions for next year: “I think we’re going to make it [to CIF finals] next year and get revenge for the seniors.”