Photo Courtesy of Caldwell Girls Tennis
Sadness and excitement filled the JCHS Tennis Courts on October 4th for the Varsity Girls Tennis Team’s senior night. With only a handful of games left in the season, a flow of emotion was hitting the ten seniors of the team as they wrapped up 4 years of playing for the chiefs.
Even though the season has taken a turn on the girls, it seems that they can close it out with a few wins. They are expected to play Mount Saint Dominic October 7th, West Milford October 8th, Bloomfield October 9th, and end by playing Nutley on October 10th. All four matches will be held at the James Caldwell High School Courts.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, Captains Madison Marsh (left), Fiona Laddey (Middle), and Nicolina Castellano (right) gave their reflections of their four years on the team and this season:
Fiona Laddey: “Being a part of this team has been such an amazing experience. Seeing myself and the rest of the team grow together is such a rewarding feeling. Our coaches always push us to our fullest potential. We have all worked so hard and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together!”
Photo Courtesy of Caldwell Girls Tennis
Madison Marsh: “The last four years have been some of the best times of my life! Tennis has given me the opportunity to meet some of my closest friends and has taught me how to be a part of a team, through wins and loses. This year, it feels so surreal that it’s our last season and it has made me cherish the bus rides, practices, games and even Saturday morning practices so much more! I’m extremely grateful to call all these girls my family and I’m honored to have been part of such a hardworking and talented group of people. So for one last time I’d like to say… CGT ON 3! 1 2 3 CGT!!!”
Nicolina Castellano: “They weren’t lying when they said that four years fly by fast. Having the ability to play on this team has been a gift given from God. I couldn’t be more grateful for the bond we have created as a team and for all the love and support we have received. It’s not about the playing or the score, it’s the memories we have made together that will last forever. I will forever cherish every single one of those memories we have made because we’re more than just a team, we are a family, forever bonded as Chiefs.”
The team will see a big shake up for the 2025-2026 season with the Varsity lineup consisting mostly of seniors for the 2024-2025 season. Led by Coach Ron Masson from left to right on the top is Caroline Pienciak (senior), Madison Marsh (senior), Pilar Jacobs (junior), Fiona Laddey (senior), Madison Graham (senior), Nora Schied (junior), Bella Margraff (junior). On the bottom from left to right are Kylie Rodrigues (senior), Nicolina Castellano (senior), Sophia Helou (junior), Keya Goplani (senior), and Avery Geher (senior).
Even while being in the Liberty division, the girls have faced tough competition playing schools such as Millburn, Livingston, Montclair, Newark Academy, and many more that are in the American division and ranked much higher in the state. Not only this, but the girls have persevered this season facing a grueling schedule of having at least 3-4 games a week since August, leaving them with little to no recovery days or practice.
Even so, our Girl’s Tennis Team has pushed through and brought so much life to the tennis courts! Best of luck to them as they finish their season with more wins! GO CHIEFS!
Photo Courtesy of Caldwell Girls Tennis
