The 2019 Fountain Hills High School tennis team found itself in a unique situation this season. With only eight players on the roster for both the boys and girls, FHHS was unable to compete at meets with a full team. However, instead of using their small numbers as an excuse to fall back on, the Falcons made the most of their shorthanded season.

Both the Falcons girls and boys tennis teams finished their respective seasons with a 1-10 record, with all 10 of their losses the result of being disqualified due to an incomplete roster.

To some, going out on the court with the results of the meet already predetermined might seem disheartening. But the Fountain Hills players looked at each meet as a chance to better themselves as tennis players.

“Our team handled being short on the roster very well,” head coach Ted Trippett said. “Rather than complaining or using it as an excuse for losing, our team just went out and did their job. That was one of our talking points this season, to focus on the process and the things you can control.”

Trippett, in his first season as head coach, saw a lot of growth from his players not just in their tennis game, but also in their bond as a team.

“It was a season of learning, growing and bonding for everyone, coaches and players,” Trippett said. “While we weren't able to secure the wins this season, we saw a lot of individual progress and victories. As our players got better they were exposed to new physical, mental, tactical and technical challenges in each match and they proved to have the desire and ability to take these head on.”

While he could point to any of his players and say how they have impacted the team this season, Trippett admired the players who others could look to as a leader and the players that made each day fun.

“Andrei Urda was great at bringing the fun and positive energy to our practices and matches. You knew right away if he wasn't there,” Trippett explained. “Playing her final year, Rory Wilson was solid at the number one spot for the girls and an overall anchor for the team with her hard work and dedication every single day. Transfer student Austin Berns started the season late but was immediately able to jump in and win some close matches, which I think inspired the team.”

With only one senior on the team this year Trippett is hoping to grow the tennis program during the off season by reaching out to the community.

“During the off season I plan to work with and offer programs for Parks and Recreation, the high school and the middle school to get more kids exposed to the sport prior to the high school season,” Trippett said. “I would like to get the community more involved in the team, and the team more involved in the community. For me, it's not just about turning the students into great tennis players, but helping them see the bigger picture of how they can contribute to a community, and how a community can support them.”