(October 27, 2003) — Hoover, Glendale and Crescenta Valley High Schools all possess those certain athletes who exert themselves with determination and help boost the spirit of a team. Girls’ tennis coaches say that junior April Nelson and senior Yumi Choe are two of those players who hold these qualities. All three GUSD high schools participate in the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) league, and those particular players help this year’s girls’ tennis teams advance through the league, competing for the title of C.I.F. champions. According to coaches, this year’s teams work well together. Freshman Stephanie Biglarian said that she loves playing tennis on CV’s Junior Varsity. “Being on any team is an opportunity of a lifetime. I have met many new people and have experienced the challenge of a competitive sport,” Biglarian said. Athletes also display much appreciation for their coaches. “[Our coach] is really supportive of all the girls and he is a great tennis player, always willing to give advice and push the girls when they are down,” said senior Jennifer Kang of the Glendale Nitros. Along with concern for the players’ feelings, the coaches support their players by providing praise. Hoover’s coach Alex Villasenor said that his teams this year consist of a “nice group of girls [who] get along, which is important. They also win and lose well.” Practicing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays––unless a game is scheduled or the coach provides them with a day off––the teams execute drills and scrimmages. In practice they usually work on skills such as forehands, backhands, volleys, overheads and serves. According to Davidson, they also play about two sets each day. These strenuous exercises improve the players, making them more able to give opponents a worthy match. “Practice is usually hard and serious, but sometimes while working, we have fun and take it easy,” said junior April Nelson who plays for Hoover. All three high schools play a total of around 20 matches in a season. “The varsity team is in first place, while the JV is in second place in the league,” said Sara Wiggins, Crescenta Valley coach. Glendale’s third place JV and varsity teams follow right behind Crescenta Valley, and Hoover’s team hopes to attain fourth place in the league, according to Villasenor.