Skyline girls tennis—big numbers, big prospects

Skyline tennis coach Shonnie Hays kept a whopping 56 girls on her team this year—basically everyone who showed up for tryouts. The no-cuts policy eliminates painful rejections and messy politics, but leaves Hays with a lot of girls to keep happy.

“It’s hard to get them a lot of playing time,” she said. “Only 14 play at a match, and we try to rotate in as many as possible.”

But Hays and her staff see the situation as mostly a positive one.

“It gives the girls confidence,” assistant JoAnn Marble said. “Once they are on the team, they have the opportunity to progress, to challenge other players and earn their way to tournaments. The girls are constantly improving, constantly challenging themselves.”

With the bulk of the more experienced players attending a pre-season tournament in St. George, alternates and even some who had never even played in a tournament before stepped up to face Westlake at home Aug. 25.

“Going to St. George is our only pre-season tournament,” Hays said. “It’s a great one because each girl gets five matches. It’s for JV and varsity, so we can take as many girls as we want. We get to face different teams and good competition, which helps us work on our skill level.”

Current leaders for the team include first singles Alyssa Evensen (senior), second singles Erin Blessing (junior), third singles Sydney Monson (junior), first doubles Analisa Nielson and Suzanna Garbett (seniors) and second doubles Abby Meitchen (senior) and Elizabeth Gorey (junior).

“There’s been a hot contest as players have been vying for the doubles positions,” Hays said. “We’ve had a lot of head-to-head challenge matches.”

All the internal competition may help the Eagles be ready for the new 4A lineup in Region 7.

“I think we’re going to be a good contender in region and in state,” Hays said. “This will be new territory for us—never playing in 4A before—all the teams will be new except for Murray.

“And these are wonderful girls,” she said. “They are terrific to work with; we never had any problems [on the road trip]. They are respectful and obedient, which certainly makes my job easier.”

Hays is also appreciative of her coaching staff.

“I have terrific support from the five “mom” coaches that help with matches and practicing,” she said. “I couldn’t do my job if I didn’t have these ladies to help coach. They are a great part of the team.”