On October 23, the LASA tennis team made Austin Independent School District (AISD) history as the first Austin team of any sport to reach Texas’ state tournament three years in a row. Despite high school tennis teams changing team members every four years making continued success hard to maintain, this achievement has solidified LASA tennis as one of the most competitive programs in the state.

LASA boys tennis team captain senior Rakesh Ravi explained that a significant factor behind the team’s success is their shared desire and willingness to improve. He attributed the team’s strength to this constant goal to succeed. He spent most of the school week in Houston with the rest of the varsity tennis team during state, where LASA came in third.

“The shared characteristics that each member of the team carries is what makes the team so skilled,” Ravi said. “Specifically, the drive to improve and strong competition to rise throughout the roster keeps everyone constantly improving their individual skill sets.”

According to senior Helena Donovan, the girls tennis captain, the diversity on the team also contributes to its success. She noted that the team includes players with many different personalities and playing styles, making them both versatile and talented.

“We’re a collection of players from all over the city,” Donovan said. “I think a lot of us play differently and have different skill sets, which is really good for the team tennis season. Teams always know who we are and honestly are starting to get scared of us when they hear who they have to play.”

LASA tennis coach Vincent Vizcaino, who played tennis collegiately, has 28 years of coaching experience and added that the team’s success is because of their resilience and commitment to growth. He noted that he sees the positive relationships between the new players and the experienced players and the growth that occurs as a result.

“The team has continued to get better because of an influx of young players fusing with our older players,” Vizcaino said. “This blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience keeps the team strong and allows them to consistently compete at the state level.”

Vizcaino emphasized that he takes pride in leading LASA to the state championship three years consecutively. To him, the best part is seeing his players perform under pressure and build the life skills necessary to compete at the highest level in high school tennis.

“Tennis competitions bring out your resolve and challenge you to learn about yourself,” Vizcaino said. “These experiences are invaluable not only on the court but also in life.”

Ravi and Donovan both explained how team trips are a time for bonding and making memories, creating connections between the players that go beyond the court. Much like Ravi, Donovan appreciates the trips and the time spent bonding with teammates and the memories the team creates together.

“I love the Regionals trip the best because after the semis match we have a whole day to just hang out and bond,” Donovan said. “We get to do things that we’d never usually have time to do as a team, like go swimming or buy surprise gifts for Coach’s birthday.” 

According to Ravi, the journey to state did not end without its challenges. They were ultimately defeated by Frisco Centennial tennis, who have now won the state title two years in a row. For Ravi, this was a reminder of the hard work that still has to be done. 

“State was fun, but losing in the [semifinals] and leaving early was disappointing,” Ravi said. “Hopefully, we’ll push past these limits next year.”

With a different perspective, Donovan explained that it was impressive that the team was even able to make it back to the state tournament after losing seniors who were big parts of the team last year. According to Donovan, the important thing was that the team tried its utmost best.

“Third place in the entire state isn’t bad at all,” Donovan said. “Everyone played their heart out, had a lot of close matches, and did good with the absence of the seniors from last year.”

Ravi, Donovan and Vizcaino hope to continue breaking records as the team prepares for its next season in spring. In the spring season, athletes will progress individually, whereas in the fall season the whole team had to compete at the same level and win as a whole to move on to state.

“Tennis competitions bring out your resolve and challenge you to learn about yourself,” Vizcaino said. “My favorite part is having our team compete against the best teams in the state.”