
Owen Yardley ‘25
CENTER FEATURES EDITOR
Jun 3, 2024
Throughout the past years, the boys' tennis team has been one of the strongest sports teams in the school, standing out as one of the most successful teams at Unionville. Their track record of making it to states for over five years is a testament to their dedication and skill. While the players play a crucial role in the team's success, Coach O’Rourke's exceptional leadership has propelled them to greatness. Under his guidance, the team made it to states this year and learned invaluable life lessons that will stay with them forever.
Coach O’Rourke's leadership style is defined by organization and respect, which he instills in the team throughout the season. He fosters strong unity, encouraging the team to do everything together, from sharing meals outside school to clinching victories at state tournaments. Instead of placing undue stress on the boys, he maximizes their time on the court by organizing fundraisers and celebratory events. Unionville is fortunate to have such a dedicated coach, whose leadership has been instrumental in the team's resounding success this season.
While much of Unionville's success can be attributed to Coach O’Rourke, credit must also be given to the team captains. Junior Matt Miller (singles one), junior Andrew Ou (singles two), and junior Andy Ye (singles three) have been instrumental in leading the boys to a remarkable season, finishing at 13-1. The team's recent triumph at the Ches-Mont tournament, where the captains swept the competition, not only secured a win for Unionville but also sent a resounding message to other teams about the level of competition they bring.
The captains expressed satisfaction with their performances and connections, with Miller highlighting "how much closer [he's] gotten with the team over the past three years.” He added, “We were able to win against the tough teams we previously lost to. Winning Ches-Monts two years in a row was amazing as I lost freshman year, so I used these wins as confidence boosts to improve my game." Ou emphasized "that the team allowed [him] to bond with one another on a deeper level than traditional teammates.” Ye underscored, "The team is everything fun and collaborative about a sport. This year, we definitely feel more connected as there is no longer a hole between the varsity and JV. Instead of being two, we all feel like one whole team."
The unity, camaraderie, and dedication displayed by the team members and their coach serve as a testament to the enduring impact of sportsmanship, teamwork, and mentorship. These experiences will undoubtedly shape the character and resilience of the team members as they move forward, carrying with them the valuable lessons learned and the cherished memories created during their time with the boys' tennis team at Unionville.