Sending six players to sectionals, the Kits used their underdog mentality to create playoff success.

“In sectionals, Evanston is the underdog and many teams count us out before we play, so my mindset is to prove them wrong,” senior captain Zoe Coleman said.

Coleman, along with her doubles partner senior Danielle Kuo, joined sisters sophomore Julia and senior Sophia Demopolas as the pairings that qualified for sectionals. Joining them were singles players junior Danina Hughes and senior Ellie Wilson. 

  The Kits finished 5-12 during the regular season, finishing fifth in the CSL. Even with their regular season falling below expectations, Coleman is still content with the season’s outcome. 

“ In my last regular-season match, I played Loyola and it was a nail biter. Kuo and I lost the first set 4-6 but came back to win the second set 6-2. Unfortunately, we lost the tiebreaker 12-14, but we played the best we could and left everything on the court. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better last match and season,” Coleman explained.

Even with the disappointing end, Coleman will use her responsibilities as captain to encourage the team to shake the doubters for next season. With her ETHS tennis career coming to an end, it’s important to aid future success.

“Tennis is a very mental sport and just doubting yourself a little bit can severely impact how you play. My goal is to help my teammates stay on track and to focus on the bigger picture,” Coleman explained.

With a strong foundation, it’s safe to say the Kits will be gunning for a spot in state next season.