At a school where region championships and success at state are common, the Olympus girls tennis team is not a team to overlook. The Titans have put together another strong season, winning the Region 6 championship. 

“We have been very pleased with the season so far,” head coach Josh Carter said. “The girls worked incredibly hard in the offseason and have seen their work pay off with great results so far. Most importantly, they have continued to work hard together, support each other and improve as a team during the season.”

At the Region 6 tournament, Olympus beat out the competition, taking first at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. At individual positions, first singles took second place, while every other position was first. First doubles on the JV team was second, while all other positions were first. 

Heading into the state tournament, which took place after press deadline Oct. 5, 7 at Liberty Park, Carter was optimistic about his team’s chances. He also knew the competition would be stiff. 

“We are excited for state but definitely not complacent,” he said. “There are very strong teams and players in our division, and we know we need to play our best to accomplish our goals at every position and as a team.”

Carter said everyone on the team has “been tremendous” this season, and all have nearly undefeated records. He pointed out the leadership and on-the-court efforts of senior captains Lucy Findlay and Elisabeth Carter, who have been instrumental in the team’s success. 

“They have shown great poise, humility and kindness as they have led by example on and off the courts,” he said. 

Enroute to its region title, the Olympus girls have had some memorable moments this season. For example, senior Alexandra Rawlings had a clutch win earlier this season in the Skyridge Invitational Championship against defending 6A champion Skyridge. She was down 5-1 in the third-set tiebreaker but came back to earn the victory. In the region tournament, the first doubles tandem of senior Linda Findlay and sophomore Sophie Dowdell were facing Skyline in the championship match. The lost the first set and were behind in the second. Carter said a supportive group of teammates helped the duo come back and pull off a big victory. 

“Their teammates rallied together to support them, cheering for every point and giving them a huge emotional boost that allowed them to come back and win the second set after being down 2-5 and overcoming over four match points,” he said. “The third set was another emotional victory, as they came back from being down 1-3 to win 6-3. It was a huge team effort and victory with the players, teammates and coaches all working hard to help them to win.”

In fact, playing as a team and supporting one another is one of the hallmarks of the Olympus team.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork of the girls and coaches,” Carter said. “We all love tennis and love each other. It has been an absolute joy to be a part of this team. We are super proud with the way the girls work together, play with class and represent the school and their families so well.”

The 2023 Titans have been one of the top teams the girls tennis program has produced in recent memory. Carter is pleased with the girls’ accomplishments and with how they have conducted themselves off the court. 

“These girls are some of the most accomplished tennis players to have played at Olympus in years,” he said. “They work relentlessly, are exceptionally talented and yet are kind and gracious always. They are truly wonderful young women with such bright futures.”

Carter also expressed appreciation to the “incredible” parents, coaches and supporters at the school. He is grateful for the support of Principal Jennifer Christensen and the school’s Athletic Director Kael Ashton. 

“They have made the season a huge success so far,” he said. λ