Valley Boys’ Tennis Primed for Strong Season with Deep and Talented Roster
With a new man piloting the ship, the Valley Regional boys’ tennis team looks to steer towards more regular season victories, a deeper push within the state tournament draw, and a dynamic and well-rounded club that truly anticipates bursting to the baselines each day.
For the 2023 campaign, the Warriors fought to a 6-8 regular-season mark–good enough to qualify for the Class S State Tournament. There, as the No. 22 seed in the draw, Valley took a 7-0 qualifying round loss to 11th-ranked Rocky Hill on the road on May 26 to finish 6-9 overall.
This year, the Warriors return to the court with a new man at the helm in Head Coach Paul Garrity. As he is ready to jump into the court coaching fray for Valley, he is equally enthusiastic about his inaugural roster of athletes and their passion for not only the sport, but success in it.
“I'm very excited about this season. I think we have a great lineup and literally every player has a desire to get better, have fun out there, and win,” said Garrity. “I'm personally hoping to elevate the team by working with the players to not only improve their physical game, but their mental game as well, which is sometimes the biggest obstacle in a match.”
The Warriors entertain a trio of senior captains this spring. Tomas Dahl is the No. 1 singles player for Valley this year and is back for his second stint as a squad steward. While he showcases a wealth of knowledge of tennis, he will be counted upon to keep things on the up and up emotionally.
“Tomas brings an excellent understanding of the game, as well as impeccable playing style. Tomas was also co-captain last year and is very deserving of the position,” said Garrity. “This year, I'll really look to him to guide the team and keep them positive, as well as sharing his knowledge of the game.”
Moving down the singles slate is another captain in Charles Whelan at No. 4 singles. As he excels in the sport, per Garrity, he knows when to bring the laughs to alleviate some pressures for the boys.
“Charles, or Chuck as everyone calls him, is not only an excellent tennis player but also brings a levity to the team, and he seems to be well liked by all,” Garrity said. “Chuck has some great leadership qualities that I am looking forward to seeing this year.”
Lastly is the third captain in Willem Fitton, who is on the doubles’ end of the courts for Valley. While competing in duo action, he is an individual who seeks to get the most out of every competition, day in and day out.
“Willem is currently playing doubles this year,” said Garrity. “Willem has a great desire to play tennis and to always improve. He has a lot of great attributes that should bring him, and his team, very far this year.”
Looking at the rest of the potential lineup, the second solo spot is occupied by sophomore Luis Taverner, and then right alongside him at No. 3 singles is senior Deryck Llivichuzhca.
“We have a lot of great players this year. Our No. 2 singles player in Luis Taverner is an excellent singles player who shows a lot of passion and understanding of the game,” said Garrity. “Deryck Llivichuzhca will be amazing in his position this year. He has a great playing style and attitude for the game.”
Garrity expressed that additional players, “that I am looking forward to working with this year” are juniors Shep Whitney, Eddie Johnson, sophomore Ryan Poulin, junior Nic Cartagena, sophomore Jack Berardinelli, freshmen Jonah Morrissey, and Elliot Paradis, senior Jon Alberto, sophomore Tsering Samphel, junior Jared Brower, and Valley’s newest arrival Alan Pinto.
The Warriors are scouting the usual suspects in terms of key matchups in the Shoreline with league rivals Westbrook and Old Lyme. As Garrity gets to know his new team a little bit more as the spring progresses onward, he wants to create a comfort and familiarity with his players. He additionally desires an atmosphere where the boys can enjoy not only the preparation work, but each other with some natural jocularity.
“I want to be accessible to my players and make them feel comfortable to discuss anything with me,” Garrity said. “I'm also hoping to bring some fun to the team with different drills and good old fashioned humor! I want this to be a memorable and successful season for everyone involved.”
The 2024 Valley Regional boys’ tennis roster is comprised of seniors Alberto, Dahl, Fitton, Christian Konstantino, Llivichuzhca, Lucas Silva, Whelan; juniors Brower, Cartagena, Johnson, Whitney; sophomores Berardinelli, Poulin, Samphel, Taverner; plus freshmen Mark Condon, Morrissey, and Paradis.
Garrity has been head coach of his tennis intramural program at Westbrook Middle School for about 18 years. Prior to that, he was girls’ soccer head coach as well as assistant coach for the Westbrook High School tennis team.
2024 Valley Regional Boys’ Tennis Team Regular Season Schedule and Results
April 1: Valley Regional 7, Coginchaug 0
Monday, April 8: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 10:30 a.m.
Monday, April 15: at Cromwell at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16: vs. East Hampton at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 18: at Morgan at 3:45 p.m.
Friday, April 19: vs. Old Saybrook at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, April 22: at Old Lyme at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24: at Westbrook at 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1: vs. Old Lyme at 3:45 p.m.
Friday, May 3: vs. Westbrook at 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8: vs. Morgan at 3:45 p.m.
Friday, May 10: at Coginchaug at 3:45 p.m.
Monday, May 13: at Haddam-Killingworth at 3:45 p.m.