May - Athlete Spotlight
Summerville High School Varsity Co-ed Tennis Team
The team this year advanced from the regular season, through two playoff victories, to CIF Sac-Joaquin Section finals at the Oak Park Tennis Complex in Stockton where we secured a 5-4 victory over Bret Harte to become the 2025-2026 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Champions!
Among our many outstanding athletes, I would like to spotlight two standout players:
MATTHEW WOOD
Matthew is a Junior at Summerville and he plays the number two men’s singles position. For the past two years Matthew has played tennis virtually each and every weekend where he has honed his tennis skills and built his confidence. Last season he played doubles as a standout player, becoming familiar with team and tournament play. This season he stepped up to play singles, which involves a different level of energy and a different application of strategies and abilities. His 9-3 record in regular season play, and his 2-1 record in our post-season, demonstrates his successful transition from doubles to singles. Matthew has developed a forceful serve, strong drives from the baseline, as well as excellent net play. He is a steady, patient player who has excellent consistency. Also, he has developed specialties in placing both offensive and defensive lobs, and executing accurate and deceive overhead smashes. Mathew exhibits grit, determination and courage on the court. Following graduation from Summerville, Matthew plans to study pre-med and work towards a career as a Medical Doctor.
EMILY COSTA
Emily is a Senior at Summerville and she plays on our women’s doubles two team. She is noted for her speed and astonishing movement around the court, as well as her lightning reflexes and angled volleys, which have contributed to her doubles two team’s 8-4 record in league play, and 2-1 record in post-season play. Emily is a blur of motion when a point is in play, moving all over the court to track the ball, and to lob, drive or volley her opponents. Her ability to angle her shots into the opponent’s court and direct the ball out of play is second to none, and her cooperation and communication with her partner are superb. With each practice and match this season, coaches saw her skill levels and contribution to our team grow. Emily has consistently risen to the task of bearing down and fighting through tough matches to victory. Additionally, she exudes the very best of friendliness, sportsmanship and a highly positive energy and uplifting personal demeanor. Emily Costa has been a joy to have on our team. She plans to attend Columbia College, transfer to California State University, Chico and pursue studies which will lead to a career as a Speech Pathologist.
By Coach Jeff Fitzwater