Passing Shots: 2017 Tennis Preview

Following an FAA championship in his debut season coaching the varsity tennis team, head coach Ryan Abraham believes the team is poised for another strong season in 2017.

Taking over the program in 2016, Abraham finished with a 9-1 record, while holding a 6-0 FAA regular-season mark. Along with assistant coaches Ross Smith, Brian Sheppard ’97, and Cullen McMahon, coach Abraham is focused on continuing to build sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork for the Bruins on the Richman Tennis Courts this spring.

While only one senior, co-captain Tyler Carney, is on the 16-player roster, coach Abraham noted last season was a key building block for future success.

“With the foundation being firmly set, a lot of the returning players are keen to move forward this season and improve on last year,” Abraham said. “The future looks bright with a very young team this season.”

Carney and freshman Ryan Glanville were FAA doubles champions last year. Adding to that depth are junior Willie Turchetta and sophomore Ben Powis.

Turchetta looks to return at #1 singles for Brunswick, where he reached the FAA singles semifinals a year ago.

Powis was a steady presence on the court as a freshman last season, exuding sportsmanship and grit for coach Abraham. This season, Powis is poised to move up the ladder to compete at #2 singles for the Bruins.

Carney, following another stellar squash season, is a player Abraham will lean on for leadership and big game experience. “Tyler is a great competitor and ready to lead the team to a great season as one of the top five singles players,” Abraham added.

According to coach Abraham, in order to have another strong season, practices should be competitive and meaningful. “What they choose to put into practice is what will come out in matches,” he noted.

Following a pair of scrimmages in late March, the tennis team begins the 2017 campaign at home on April 3 against Horace Mann.