The Atlantic boys’ tennis team started practice on Monday, March 14.

Head coach Mike McDermott said there are 13 boys out for tennis this season, which compares to the 20 boys last year.

The goal for the boys this year is to have some state qualifiers. McDermott said, “We lost a lot of seniors it’s going to be challenging year, the younger guys need to step up.”

The boys are returning 3 varsity tennis players, sophomores Grant Podhajsky, Cooper McDermott, and Luke Hohenberger.

Number one varsity player, Podhajsky said, “My goal is to make it to state in singles, and to live up to my brothers hype. My favorite part about playing for this team is coming to practice, and seeing the three amazing coaches and a bunch of kids out there trying to get better.”

The number two varsity player, McDermott said, “I would like to make it to state in individuals, and I’d like our team to win the conference tournament. As a team we work hard, but we really need to focus on building up our skill.”

Number three, Hohenberger said, “I need to improve my serve because it’s my weakest point in the game, and I’d like to make it to state in doubles. I want to see overall improvements this season as a team.”

The boys’ first tennis meet is on Monday, April 4, against Creston.