After a strong 2024 season that included a Marmonte League Championship and a CIF Division 1 Finals appearance, the Calabasas girls’ tennis team enters 2025 with confidence and clear goals. Last season’s success has shaped the team’s mindset and set the tone for what they hope to achieve this year.
“I would say that reaching the finals really built our confidence as a team. We really started viewing ourselves as a threat to play against, which has trickled into our goals for this season. I know we all want to win this year, and now our goal is in line with the way we play; we play with a lot of confidence,” said CHS junior Jade Bassis.
Preparation and focus are central to the Coyotes’ strategy this season. Players dedicate extra time to drills, practice routines, and skill-building exercises, making sure they are physically and mentally ready for every match. They review plays, anticipate opponents’ moves, and work on both individual techniques and team coordination to give themselves the best chance of success on the field.
“We approach tough matches with lots of preparation so we feel as comfortable as we can when the match starts. If we ever feel iffy about a certain shot or strategy, we will drill a lot during practice so we can focus on the match rather than how we play individually. We do the same thing after tough matches too- if we feel like a certain shot was weighing us down, then we drill it even more during practice,” Bassis explained.
Teamwork and positivity are key elements in maintaining a strong environment on and off the court. The Coyotes focus not just on individual skills, but on how they support each other during practices and games, celebrating successes, encouraging teammates after mistakes, and keeping morale high. By fostering trust, communication, and mutual respect, the team creates a foundation that helps everyone improve and stay motivated throughout the season.
“I would say that every player, regardless of their year, should contribute with positive mindsets, and so far this year’s underclassmen have been incredible. Everyone is so sweet and hardworking, and it really contributes to how we work together on and off the court,” Bassis said.
Traveling to CIF- level matches and competing against top teams has been a major part of the Coyotes’ growth, helping players develop focus, resilience, and a competitive mindset. Facing challenging opponents in high-stakes environments has pushed the team to improve both individually and as a group. These experiences have also strengthened their communication and trust, allowing the Coyotes to rely on one another when it matters most on the field.
“I think a personal highlight for me would be playing/traveling to CIF matches. Last season we would travel far away to many different games, and it really contributed to a competitive atmosphere,” Bassis said.
Experiencing CIF matches has given the team a sense of the intensity and focus required at higher levels of competition. Traveling to different schools and facing tough opponents challenges the players to stay sharp, adapt quickly, and support each other under pressure. These experiences push the Coyotes to improve both individually and as a team, reinforcing the lessons they practice every day.
“I think that the overall atmosphere of matches really helps me stay focused in game because I constantly feel the pressure to compete from both teams, my coaches, the parents, and myself, especially when the match’s score is close,” said Bassis.
Matches give players a chance to test their skills under real pressure, especially when points and sets are tight. The Coyotes focus on staying mentally sharp, anticipating their opponents’ shots, and adjusting strategies between games. Each match helps them build confidence, improve court awareness, and strengthen the teamwork needed in doubles and supporting each other during practice.
“I’m excited to play doubles with my friends this year,” said CHS junior Isabel Beddows, who did not play in CIFs last season shared her excitement for the upcoming year.
Doubles play remains a key focus this season, requiring coordination and communication between partners. Players work on positioning, covering the court, and anticipating opponents’ moves, making practice both challenging and rewarding. Emphasizing teamwork and strategy, the Coyotes aim to control the net and set up points together.
“I mainly play doubles on the team. I really enjoy the strategy in doubles, as it’s a lot more reliant on net play like volleys to finish points, and I feel like being successful at the net can be very satisfying,” Bassis said.
Looking ahead, the Coyotes hope to build on last year’s success while continuing to strengthen individual skills and team dynamics. They aim to refine their strategies, improve execution on key plays, and maintain the strong communication and trust that has become the foundation of their team. With each practice and game, the Coyotes are focused on growing not just as athletes, but as a united group, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
