The girls tennis team had an ice cream awards night on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. 

The awards that were given ranged from serious to humorous. Coach Kayla Brown and assistant coach Xandra Bouray gave every player an award. 

“We had to get a little creative to come up with 24 different awards,” Brown said. 

Brown said it was important to end the season by reflecting on all the good things that happened. 

“The ice cream and awards seemed like a simple way to do that for one last team activity,” Brown said. “This was also a time for me to recognize seniors, individually congratulate and thank players for their efforts and thank parents for their continued support of their student athletes.” 

Brown said she was overall very pleased with the amount of improvement by each player in just eight weeks. 

“I was excited that we were able to bring home some individual and team medals throughout the season for both varsity and junior varsity as well,” Brown said. 

Seniors Moriah DeBay and Lynsie Hansen both received flowers along with their awards as a final farewell. 

“Senior Lynsie Hansen received the Most Valuable Player Award,” Brown said. “She had awesome leadership skills and the best season record of 20-13. Senior Moriah DeBey received the Team Mom Award for her leadership skills and consistent help with making sure everyone knew what was going on during practice.” 

Hansen said she is very appreciative for the time her coaches put in to make the team’s season special.  

“The highlight of my season was hitting around and laughing with Moriah every day,” Hansen said. 

Brown’s hope for next year is to have 22 returners from this season, as well as a new group of freshmen to continue to build the tennis program.  

“My goal is to continue to build skills, that way wins can happen,” Brown said. “Maybe we can even get some people to the state tournament next year.” 

21mmcbride@usd489.com