Key West and Coral Shores enjoyed order on the courts this season, with each team winning six matches. The Conchs finished the season 6-4, losing just one match to Coral Shores with the rest of their losses coming from mainland teams. The Conchs had some success at Gulliver, winning two matches against one of the best teams in South Florida. Coral Shores finished 6-5-1. The Hurricanes found some success on the mainland, picking up a win and a tie against Miami teams. The Marathon Dolphins struggled this season, finishing 0-10, but had success at the No. 1 singles spot throughout the season. All three teams play the majority of their matches against one another, forging a solid sense of camaraderie despite being opponents.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat, Doug Finger and Barry Gaukel
MVP
Junior, Key West
Key West’s top seed was undefeated in the regular season, sweeping her Keys competitors and adding wins against LaSalle and Gulliver as well. “She is an inspiration to the team with her team spirit, on-court focus and hard-hitting strokes,” said head coach Joie Switzer. “Her serve and pace are her greatest weapons.”
Emily Alvear
Freshman, Marathon
Just a freshman, Marathon’s top singles player Emily Alvear has been on the team’s roster since middle school. This season she registered three wins on the court, including one in the first round of the district playoffs. “Emily continues to get better every year and is getting stronger on the court,” said coach Kevin Freeman. “I think she finally saw what she is capable of and has stepped her game up. We are very excited to see what happens with her next year.”
Gaby Aguero
Senior, Key West
Senior captain Gaby Aguero was described by Switzer as “the heart of the tennis team with her uplifting attitude and joyful spirit.” Aguero had a win in No. 1 doubles at Gulliver Prep and had a winning record in singles this season.
Kai Guth
Senior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores’ Kai Guth played in the No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles spots this season. Coach Zach Ownes said, “Kai was a leader and mentor to all team members.” Guth is a four-year varsity player for the ’Canes and earned a spot on the FHSAA 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team for her contributions on the courts and in the classroom.
Kai Redruello
Junior, Coral Shores
Hurricane Kai Redruello played at the No. 3 singles spot this season, earning a 7-3 record with wins against Keys competitors as well as Westminster Christian. “Kai was one of the team leaders with matches won,” said Owens. “We are excited to have her for one more year.”
Hamida Muhsinova
Freshman, Key West
Hamida Muhsinova’s freshman campaign was so strong it earned her the team’s Coach’s Award. Muhsinova played No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles this season. “She showed a quiet determination to win her matches, using a mix of consistency and power,” said Switzer. “Her commitment to improving her serve and volleys and playing with a positive attitude were her biggest assets.”
