Vynce Cajanding and Wellington Renteria are the senior co-captains of the boys tennis team here at GHS. Wellington was born in Ecuador, while Vynce was born in the Philippines. But despite their different backgrounds, they are united under their shared love for tennis.
Vynce and Wellington joined the tennis team during their freshman and sophomore years, respectively, and interestingly, that is really when they both started getting into the sport. They’re hoping that their team will get the recognition they deserve.
Despite only recently picking up tennis, both boys have always had an interest and respect for the sport, which has contributed to them joining the team and eventually being promoted to captains. “I’ve always loved the sport, so I’ve always wanted to try it out,” Vynce stated. “And I finally got the chance [once I got to high school], and it just worked out.”
As captains, Vynce and Wellington have a certain mindset that has made them perfect for taking on a leadership role. “I think that people do need a leader,” Vynce explained, “and sometimes, our team, if we don’t have someone to tell them what to do, then I feel like they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Unfortunately, the captains have still faced issues, notably with what seems to be a lack of care from their underclassmen teammates. “The mentality of most of the young people that are recently coming in, they hate practice. They just don’t want to go unless they’re forced to,” Wellington claimed. Vynce elaborated, “I definitely think it’s lack of commitment, [but] it got better this year. We have [a] JV team now. Before, we just had varsity with alternates.”
Regardless of these issues, the boys tennis teammates still think of each other as friends and even as sort of a family. “Our team is amazing!” Vynce said. “Not only do we have a JV team now, but we have people that actually want to be here and try. And I think this is the closest that we have ever been as a team, like connection-wise.”
Vynce also has a lot of respect for his tennis coach, Jim Jenks. “Our coach is amazing,” Vynce exclaimed. “He’s definitely been there for us a lot. He’s provided so much for us that he didn’t need to provide.”
Despite all of their hard work though, the school just doesn’t seem to show much attention for their sport. “When I came to GHS, I didn’t even know we had a tennis team until like second semester, when I talked to a friend,” Wellington said dejectedly. “The school doesn’t [seem to care about us], and if you’re gonna join tennis, you need to keep that in mind.”
Despite everything though, the tennis team and their captains are still going strong, with support from their coach, of course. “Tennis is a really awesome sport,” Wellington said. “It gave me support when I needed it. The team is amazing. The people there are amazing, and I’m glad I made some friends.”
Vynce went even further: “I think tennis is my second home, and if you’re thinking of joining tennis, why not try it? You could like it right away.”
If you feel inclined to join the tennis team next season, there are many ways for you to join, such as going to summer tryouts, by emailing the coach at [email protected], or by going to the tennis courts after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
And who knows? You might even make some lifetime friendships along the way.
