Warriors Planned to Build on Solid Foundation in 2020
The Valley Regional boys’ tennis team came one win shy of making states in 2019 but laid solid groundwork for the future with a promising crop of young players earning varsity experience. In 2020, Head Coach Callie Riggio had hoped her team would continue to grow with that solid foundation already present. Unfortunately, the spring season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Warriors did not get a chance to see what they could have accomplished.
Coach Riggio felt proud of the Warriors’ results in 2019. It was her first year at the helm at Valley, and there were plenty of adjustments to be made for everyone. Given that, Riggio believed that the team’s seven wins were a testament to how much she and the team grew together.
“I thought last season went really well, given that I was a new coach and there were several new players,” Riggio said. “My strategy was to go into the season with a strong mindset and look for learning experiences that could improve my coaching as well as the team’s abilities.”
Coach Riggio expected to have a nice crop of players on this year’s roster that had valuable varsity experience. On top of that, there were some promising newcomers that Riggio hoped could make an impact this year.
“I was going to have six returning players this season, which would’ve been fantastic. There were also some new players that I was really excited to get to know,” Riggio said. “I was excited to see some of our returning singles players perform at a higher level, since we graduated our No. 1 and No. 3 singles players from last year. As for the doubles players, I was excited for them to gain new experience with different players and work together as a team.”
Coach Riggio believed that the Warriors’ greatest asset this season would have been their ability to communicate well on the court. That would be especially true of the doubles players, but that open line of communication would have also proven useful in practices.
“Last year, we were able to create a positive and open atmosphere that made team members more comfortable with each other, and in turn that allowed the players to have better communication with each other,” said Riggio. “Having a solid communicative foundation is a key aspect to a successful team. I think my team already had that foundation built.”
Leading the charge for Valley would have been senior captain JT Dickson, who earned Valley’s Most Improved Player Award last year. Coach Riggio believed that Dickson had all the attributes a team needs out of its senior captain.
“JT has displayed great sportsmanship and leadership abilities, and he was ready for the responsibility of leading the team down a positive road,” Coach Riggio said. “Even before the season was canceled, JT was very good about setting up meetings and recruiting people for the team. I was very excited to see him take on that leadership role. I know he will be very successful in whatever he pursues after he graduates this year.”
Coach Riggio felt confident that her other players had plenty of knowledge to offer, as well. Sophomores Nic Wyskowski and Kaid Matesky had ample varsity experience playing singles for Valley. Wyskowski had nine wins at the No. 2 spot last year, and Matesky tallied six in the No. 5 position. Coach Riggio hoped that having newer athletes practice against the more seasoned players from last year would put the Warriors in a good competitive position.
“Based on everybody’s performance from last year, I knew that our returning players would excel this season,” Riggio said. “New athletes to the sport would have practiced with the returning players to improve their skills. No matter what, I’m sure everyone would have made positive contributions, whether it be on the court in matches or within the team’s practices.”
Coach Riggio is disappointed that this season was canceled, especially for all the senior athletes around the country. At Valley, the boys’ and girls’ tennis squads practice together, and its sad that they’ll both miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the spring season together.
“I was filled with sorrow for the seniors that this is their last year. They were very excited to get on the court,” Riggio said. “Everyone was excited to get the season going and experience the bond that the girls’ and boys’ teams had with each other last year.”
Looking ahead, Coach Riggio is concerned with the lasting effects that this lost season could have on the tennis program as a whole. Practice is everything, and losing a whole season’s worth of instruction and experience can really set a player back. Riggio just hopes that enough players come out so they all get a chance to enjoy the camaraderie next year.
“My only concern is players wanting to come back for next season. I highly encourage everyone to return to the team, and any new people thinking about going out for the team to join, as well,” Riggio said. “The boys’ team offers a great amount of positive energy and a familial atmosphere that makes the season a lot of fun. Anyone who were to join would absolutely love it, no matter the level, whether starting out or already introduced to the sport.”
Coach Riggio’s advice for next year is that everyone should stay ready by whatever means necessary. Riggio believes that those who keep playing and stay in shape should be well-prepared for whatever challenges next season presents.
“Keep playing with other team members, friends, or family throughout the summer, as well as the upcoming academic year,” said Riggio. “Even though everyone missed out this year, if everyone can keep their agility and endurance up and just practice the sport in general, they’ll be ready next year.”