All three Keys schools enjoyed successful tennis seasons, with most of their play in-county against one another. Many Monroe County sports teams consider one another rivals, but in tennis, the players and coaches enjoy an atmosphere full of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Players respect each other and the game, often helping their opponents improve in the nuances of their craft. In county play, athletes keep their own scores and make their own calls during matches. This year, all three teams’ postseason play ended at the district level, but with a majority of the athletes being underclassmen, next season’s action could stretch well beyond the district brackets.
From all of us at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the 2023 All-Keys Tennis Team.
GIRLS
MVP
Eva Drozdetskaya
Sophomore, Key West
Eva Drozdetskaya earned an impressive 9-3 record this season for the Conchs, doing so with what coach Elliot Manton called “lots of talent paired with hard work.”
“Eva is someone who will go above and beyond for any one of her teammates,” he added. “On top of that, she works extremely hard on the tennis court every day to improve her game.”
Drozdetskaya consistently bested her Keys opponents in play, and her unwavering improvement makes the underclassmen a serious contender in the future of Conch tennis.
Malena Rocafort
Senior, Marathon
In just her second season playing tennis for the Dolphins, Rocafort improved from number two last year to the top seed in 2023. Praised as an athlete who showed continuous improvement over the course of her career at Marathon, head coach Kevin Freeman said his senior’s leadership will “definitely be missed” next season.
Gabriella Aguero
Sophomore, Key West
Aguero went 12-2 in 2023 as Key West’s number one doubles and number two singles player. Described by Manton as “full of talent,” Aguero is expected to continue improving and developing her on-court talent and tenacity.
“Gabriela is an outgoing member of the group who never gives up on the court,” Manton said.
Olivia Hughes
Junior, Coral Shores
Olivia Hughes has everything it takes to be an amazing athlete. “Olivia has a high level of confidence both on and off the court,” coach Kim Browning said of the junior. “She has solid serving skills and understands the fundamentals of each stroke.” According to her team, Hughes was a source of positivity for the ‘Canes with an infectiously enthusiastic attitude.
Boys:
MVP
Makani Burga
Junior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores junior Makani Burga has been a serious tennis player since elementary school, and his dedication to the little things has made him a force to be reckoned with.
“Makani is a consistent player who possesses power, strategy and almost always a victory,” said Browning.
His contributions to his team do not end with his skills on the court, though. Burga is described as uplifting to his teammates, bringing some oft-needed lightheartedness to a sport that can be a source of pressure for many athletes.
“Makani enjoys laughing and making others laugh with him,” Browning said, adding, “He never takes himself too seriously, even with his talent.”
Adrien Holdinga
Sophomore, Marathon
Adrien Holdinga earned a 5-3 singles record this season for the Dolphins and took on a leadership role not common for such a young player. Holdinga held down the number one seed for Marathon this season, impressing his coach with his willingness to put in the work.
“His work ethic is second to none. He wants to get better with every practice and every match,” said Freeman, adding that he looks forward to seeing what the next two seasons have in store for the talented sophomore.
John Picco
Freshman, Key West
John Picco may only be a freshman, but he plays like a seasoned veteran and isn’t afraid to take on any opponent. Manton praised Picco for his willingness to embrace challenges, saying the dedicated freshman phenom used them as an opportunity to improve rather than something to avoid.
John Searcy
Senior, Key West
The Conchs’ top-seeded player left it all on the court every time he played this season. The talented senior served as captain for his team in 2023. Manton described Searcy as “a role model for any future captain of the boys’ team,” crediting him with a willingness to work not only on the court, but to get things done for the team off court as well.
