There is life on the tennis courts once again, as the winter months come to a close and the Coronado High School boys tennis team prepares for their upcoming season.
Led by Coach Jeff Harrington, who says the team is loaded with talented young men who have plenty to look forward to this spring.
It all starts with sophomore Savo Simic, one of the league’s best players, Harrington said.
“Savo is a key component we can build the program around for years to come. And, talent attracts talent. So, he brings both immediate and residual benefits to the team,” Harrington said.
Just behind Simic on the depth chart is Harrington’s son, senior Ethan Harrington, who, according to the coach, is playing some of his best tennis.
The experience Harrington brings to the team will be essential during the season, according to coach.
However, there is more young talent beyond Simic, and that’s where Rodolfo Garcia enters the conversation.
Harrington said Garcia will headline the freshmen talent that has joined the team, and has the ability to make an immediate impact.
“He has great match experience as a high-performance player in the United States Tennis Association,” the coach said.
Heading into this spring season, the Islanders will open up ranked No. 17 in a conference that features 93 teams.
According to Coach Harrington, this ranking means a bit more to the team considering they don’t match up with other high schools when it comes to size.
“It’s pretty amazing how well the team competes despite the fact that CHS is one-half to one-third the size of the other teams in the conference,” Harrington said. “We do not have quantity, but we clearly have quality.”
The mindset that the program has developed over the years explains why their high ranking in a stacked division is no mistake, according to Harrington.
“These guys are competitive…”
Coach Jeff Harrington
“These guys are competitive, and they understand we are the little guys ‘punching up.’ That is all the motivation they need,” said Harrington.
Led by Simic, Harrington, and Garcia, the Islanders’ season kicks off in late February.
Their first match is a non-league contest against Bonita Vista High School of Chula Vista on Feb. 21. League play begins for the Islanders on March 7, when they face off against St. Augustine.
According to Harrington, the team has high expectations for themselves this year and are looking forward to matches against local rivals such as Mission Bay and Scripps Ranch.
