GIRLS TENNIS
So, what a year! We had 16 girls turn up for practice at the start of the year and 14 continued to play when the season started. Our first away match on the school bus was amazing – the senior girls had got together and got all the team gift bags, hair ribbons, snacks, Gatorade etc. The 45 minute drive was then spent creating Wimbledon worthy hair styles and braids!!
We had some amazing games of tennis across the season, we got closer and closer as the season went on to challenging the “good tennis schools” and we are gunning for them next year. I have learnt so much this year on how to motivate, coach and challenge a group of 14 female athletes. I also managed to sneak in getting my USPTA Tennis qualification along the way. So some stand out performances, Player of the year for me is Ashley Collins (our line 2 JV Player and a Freshman) has not lost a singles match all season. 100%! And she has played a number of time Line 6 Varsity and still won her singles! A shout out to the up and coming players, Ellie Savage, Sophie Ritz, Maria Santos – these girls had little to no tennis experience at the start of the season and they are becoming accomplished JV team players. We lose 4 seniors (Madeleine Lewis, Abbie Bolender, Kayte Wilhelm and Stella Huff) this year and so we are hopeful to find more new and existing tennis players for next season, they will leave a large hole in our team, but I am confident our girls will step up!
We are looking forward to what next year may bring and at the very least I truly hope it is as fun as this year! Go Falcons!
— Mike Kirby
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Brycen Bolwitt: “Brycen Bolwitt has been a key player since the boys’ volleyball program started three seasons ago. A starting Varsity athlete, he has consistently led the team as both a Middle and Outside Hitter, and even stepped in as our setter for a brief period. Brycen is the ultimate leader, setting an example with his hustle, drive, and skill on the court, and serving as a valued teammate and vocal team captain.”
JP Wales: “JP started three years ago as a JV starter, playing Libero. His consistent work ethic and drive to get to every ball has led him to make Varsity his senior year. He is a valuable member of the team, a quiet leader who hustles and leads by example.”
— Shawn Covely
BOYS TENNIS
Development:
The success of the Cactus Shadows Boys Varsity Tennis team this season is a testament not only to individual talent but also to a carefully crafted system that emphasizes smart match strategies and a deep lineup. The team’s top players are strategically positioned to make the most of their strengths, and the outcomes clearly reflect this approach. Players are winning not just through sheer skill—they are outsmarting their opponents, effectively implementing game plans, and taking advantage of favorable matchups.
Team Spirit:
The team has great spirit and works well together. Everyone supports each other, whether they win or lose. Players cheer for their teammates and help each other get better. They play not just for themselves, but for the team. This strong bond helps them stay positive and try their best in every match.
Top Players:
The top player for Cactus Shadows Boys Varsity Tennis this season is junior Marshall Ginsberg, who leads the team with a 19–7 overall record. Playing in the #1 singles spot, he finished with a 9–4 record and added a dominant 10–1 doubles record, making him the team’s most consistent and well-rounded performer.
Sophomore Ayden Blamires is next, boasting a strong 15–6 record. He achieved a 9–3 record in singles (primarily at #5 and #6) and a 6–2 record in doubles with partner Kadence Cummens. His success in both formats made him a crucial part of the lineup.
Ryker Pearson, also a sophomore, rounds out the top three with a 13–6 record. Competing at #2 singles (6–3) and #1 doubles (7–3), he consistently delivered in high-level matchups.
Honorable mentions go to seniors Cameron Coolidge (12–7) and Jakob Duffey (11–8), both of whom contributed solid records and demonstrated senior leadership in singles and doubles play.
First Year: I truly enjoyed my first year coaching the boys’ tennis team. The players have been respectful, eager to learn, and always receptive to feedback, which made coaching a rewarding experience. I also want to mention how supportive the parents have been throughout the season. Their involvement and encouragement have made a big difference in creating a positive and uplifting environment for the team. The school staff has been incredibly attentive to the needs of both the players and coaches, always ensuring we have the necessary balls, supplies, and maintenance support to keep everything running smoothly. It’s been a great experience all around.
— Mike Kirby
BOYS LACROSSE
“This has been a rebuilding year for Cactus Shadows Boys Lacrosse, and while we’ve faced some ups and downs, the team has shown resilience throughout. Our players stayed strong, and we’re looking forward to continuing skill development and growth as we prepare for next season. We wish our seniors all the best and thank our team captains for their leadership and commitment.”
— Tim Jones
