Despite not qualifying for the playoffs, senior boys tennis captain Dylan Truong, one of the top returners from last year’s team, was a key part of the team’s fight. If the team were to have a chance at the playoffs, Truong knew he would need to lead the team with his strong play and relentless attitude, which is exactly what he did.
As junior doubles player Noah Srinivasan shared, “He’s always positive even when he loses, and it seems like he always tries to cheer the team up. He prioritizes the team and isn’t discouraged after losses; instead, he looks to the next game.”
This year, Truong has played a mix of singles and doubles for the team in a bit of a slow season for the team, going 4-8 overall in the season and 3-3 in league. While it has been a tough season for the Panthers, Truong has been able to do what he can for the team. This season, he has aced roughly 20 times on his first serve, securing him a point before his opponent can make contact with the ball, and won over 15 matches.
Truong began playing tennis at age twelve, right around the time that the pandemic struck. Due to social distancing mandates during the pandemic, tennis became a fitting alternative to his main sport: basketball. Witnessing strong improvement across the years, Truong decided to try to play in some local tournaments where he attained solid results.
From that point on, he became a dual sport-athlete, which he claims helps him to be a better overall athlete. “I really like the balance I get from playing both basketball and tennis. Each has their own aspects, requiring different mindsets and strategies that make me a better athlete overall,” Truong commented.
Throughout his time on the team, Truong has been someone whom Head Coach Manuel Davila can always rely on. Coach Davila shared, “Being a transfer, last year, he unfortunately wasn’t able to play too much. But, when he did come in, he was a key figure in the team, playing mostly singles under the guidance of Daniel [Zheng].”
While transferring into a new school at the start of junior year may be intimidating to some, Truong’s down-to-earth and kind personality helped him find many new friends and also make great memories on the tennis team. Junior doubles player Jack Hoecker commented, “I like his calm demeanor. When emotions run high, I feel like he’s always there to make things a little less serious.”
Although the team’s season may be cut short before the playoffs, Truong has qualified for CIF doubles with freshman Carter Lane. He shared, “My goal for the tennis season this year [was] to qualify for our Individual CIF playoffs round. I didn’t make it last year, so it [has been] a nice way to close out the season.”
While the Poly community and tennis team will be sad to see Truong go, we know that he will continue to accomplish great things in college, both in the classroom and on intramural courts.
