By Joseph Kim

Originally published on September 22, 2014

With fresh guidance from a new assistant coach, the girls’ varsity tennis team sets out to perfect its gameplay in preparation for another undefeated league season and a gold trophy at All-City.

New assistant coach John Mohr wants to emphasize conditioning as well as the team’s previous practice methods. “Tennis can be very strenuous, so better conditioning will help us improve our consistency and alleviate much of the stress we feel,” Mohr said. “One aspect of our conditioning is foot movement, since tennis involves a lot of quick movement. We want the girls to stay on the balls of their feet rather than being flat footed.”

“Tennis can be very strenuous, so better conditioning will help us improve our consistency and alleviate much of the stress we feel.”

Before joining Lowell tennis, Mohr coached the boys’ and girls’ tennis team at Raoul Wallenberg High School. Mohr has been involved in tennis since the age of eight, and was a former member of the United States Tennis Association. He strives to motivate the players to love the sport that he grew up with. “My hopes are that each and every girl on the team enjoys and improves their game of tennis,” Mohr said. “If that comes true, then I believe that my goal of assisting on a championship team can happen.”

Aside from their rigorous training, the team pushes to strengthen their bonds with one another. “I want us to have fun and especially improve,” senior co-captain Julia Tien said. “A big goal for our team is to stay united even in hard times and to get through our struggles in a mature way.”

Every Friday, the team plays games such as ultimate frisbee and capture the flag to get closer to everyone on the team. “Playing these games gives us a chance to talk to teammates from different grades,” senior co-captain Sabrina On said. “Ever since we started doing that, I feel that our team has gotten much closer.”

According to Mohr, the team shows a unique level of play and dedication incomparable to that of other schools. “They are able to win because they work hard and work together on tactics and style of play,” he said. “Even in the short time I have been with the girls, I have seen a great deal of improvement in almost every girl.”

Before joining Lowell tennis, Mohr coached the boys’ and girls’ tennis team at Raoul Wallenberg High School. Mohr has been involved in tennis since the age of eight, and was a former member of the United States Tennis Association. He strives to motivate the players to love the sport that he grew up with. “My hopes are that each and every girl on the team enjoys and improves their game of tennis,” Mohr said. “If that comes true, then I believe that my goal of assisting on a championship team can happen.”

“My hopes are that each and every girl on the team enjoys and improves their game of tennis.”

Aside from their rigorous training, the team pushes to strengthen their bonds with one another. “I want us to have fun and especially improve,” senior co-captain Julia Tien said. “A big goal for our team is to stay united even in hard times and to get through our struggles in a mature way.”

Every Friday, the team plays games such as ultimate frisbee and capture the flag to get closer to everyone on the team. “Playing these games gives us a chance to talk to teammates from different grades,” senior co-captain Sabrina On said. “Ever since we started doing that, I feel that our team has gotten much closer.”

According to Mohr, the team shows a unique level of play and dedication incomparable to that of other schools. “They are able to win because they work hard and work together on tactics and style of play,” he said. “Even in the short time I have been with the girls, I have seen a great deal of improvement in almost every girl.”

Come cheer on the players at their next game at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 against Capuchino at Lowell.