All three of Monroe County’s tennis teams showed strong performances this season, but despite their steady improvement, no Keys athletes made it to the regional matches.
Though there were no district champions, the Keys did have some highlights. Coral Shores’ boys No. 1 doubles team, consisting of Makani Burga and Aidan Althouse, did advance to day two of district play after beating Palmer Trinity School 7-5 on April 15. They lost their semifinal match against Ransom Everglades, ending their hopes of advancing to regionals.
Another bright spot was Marathon No. 1 singles player, Adrien Holdinga, whose bracket opponent was Brennon Chow of True North Classical Academy. Chow, Dade County’s Tennis Player of the Year last season, is ranked nationally and committed to play collegiately for Air Force. Holdinga managed to get on the scoreboard against him, losing 8-1 but showing grit and promise for next season. All three schools return talented athletes next year with underclassmen comprising the majority of rosters.