by Max M. and Lucas O.

This tennis season has been a lot like the last—full of great experiences and amazing athletes who make it look easy. Here is a recap of the Mules’ incredible season.

The first question we asked our interviewees was, “How has the tennis coach helped the team get better?” Obviously, having a new coach in any sport can be difficult, and you may not like them at first. For Jack Schneider, this was exactly the case. “She hasn’t really helped,” he said. However, the new coach, Coach Burpo, tried her best to make practices enjoyable for the players. One of the things she focused on was her choice of drills. Julia Gerlin shared her thoughts on this: “She gives a lot of good drills.” Another way the new coach has helped is by teaching players how to improve their game—something not every coach excels at. Blake Beadle explained, “She helps us by giving us new drills in practice and teaching us new techniques.” Even though adjusting to a new coach can be tough, the players have adapted, and it seems the new coach isn’t so bad after all. From what we’ve learned, she has helped the team in a variety of ways.

The players began the season at different skill levels. Some improved more than others, but it’s safe to say that everyone made progress in their own way. We asked, “What have y’all done to get better this season?” There are many ways to improve, but for Blake Beadle, it came down to his work ethic. “We’ve practiced a ton,” he said, showing that hard work pays off. Another key to improvement is learning from mistakes. For Julia Gerlin, this was especially important: “We’ve practiced our weaknesses.” Focusing on weaknesses is a major part of growth in any sport. Practicing consistently is also crucial—putting in the work every day helps players take their skills to the next level. Jack Schneider emphasized this point: “We’ve practiced every day and worked on doubles and singles during the practices.” His commitment to daily training shows just how dedicated the team has been. These responses prove that effort and determination lead to success, which is why Alamo Heights has had such an outstanding season.

As district champions, the Mules have certainly put in the work to earn their title. But what’s their secret? We asked the players, “Why have you had so much success this season?” For Blake Beadle, it came down to dedication: “Putting in the work.” Others credited their confidence. Julia Gerlin made it clear: “Alamo Heights is the best.” Jack Schneider added, “This may have been one of the best tennis years of all time. We are known to win.” These responses highlight the team’s winning mentality. Alamo Heights takes pride in their athletic programs, and this season, their tennis team showed just how dominant they can be.

The tennis season has come to a close, and Alamo Heights finished as district champions. Looking back, this season was about more than just winning—it was about adjusting to a new coach, pushing through tough practices, and learning from mistakes. This unforgettable season brought together an amazing group of athletes. The sky’s the limit, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Alamo Heights tennis.