Girls tennis is among the best performing teams at Ocean Lakes, according to their past and present records.

Last season, the 2022 season, marked the first year for head coach Lindsay Johnson, who led the girls to regionals, placing third in the 6A Region and second in the district. They ended with a successful record of 9-1 with victories over big schools like First Colonial and Cox. 

“Last season, I was just getting my feet under me and seeing how the team worked together,” said Johnson. “This year, I’m a bit more on top of what I want to see from the athletes, [especially] their endurance and fitness.”

The majority of the team is younger, with only two seniors graduating last year and three returning upperclassmen. 

“We have some great depth to the team this season, so I’m expecting a great season this year and next,” said Johnson. 

The girls start each practice with a lap around the school, then continue to compete against their doubles partner. Tennis practices consist of 1v1 competitions, and each player gets a rank. The rankings are done based on scores from matches along with skill, sportsmanship and accountability from the players. The top six get to compete. 

“We split off into groups based on ranking; all the girls push each other, but the team atmosphere is definitely strong,” said junior Elizabeth Tucker. 

Elizabeth has played with the team since her freshman year and has helped Ocean Lakes earn a reputation by staying undefeated at the No.1 seed. 

The girls take on the Landstown Eagles at Ocean Lakes on March 27, 2023 for their first game of the season. 

“When the team puts in full effort, they can win all the matches they want,” said junior Abigail Johnson. 

Abigail and Elizabeth are the 2023 captains, according to Abigail. 

“Expectations for this season are high! We have a strong team with a lot of girls who want to get out there and win,” said Johnson. “I expect us to have a great season.”