Girls’ varsity tennis has always been a top competitor in Conference 2B. Coach Shari Bowes, fifth grade teacher at Waverly Park, has led this team to victory many times. Every day this fall at the South Middle School tennis courts, members of the team could be found practicing hard. The team remained undefeated for its first 12 games for the second year in a row. No other school seems a match for these girls. In 2024, the team was unbeaten in conference 2B and cruised into the playoffs. Unfortunately, in 2024, they suffered a loss to the Roslyn girls’ varsity tennis team and were eliminated.
This year, the girls’ tennis team will lose eight senior members. First singles player, senior Charlie Travis has been undefeated in her career as a varsity player. Always leading the team to victory, she has become a player to count on.
Senior Marissa Schiller and sophomore Lily Cooper have been doubles partners for the past two years. Schiller said, “Lily and I have created a bond through tennis [that has] caused us to become great friends. I am really dreading having to graduate and having to play in my last match on Lynbrook tennis ever.” Junior Shelli Tetelman said, “I love Lynbrook tennis, and [I] cherish our memories made at matches, practices, and bus rides. I would not trade this team for the world. I am always eager for fall to come because I can finally play with my team.”
South Middle School, on September 27 the team hosted a clinic for children in grades 1-6. The team raised money for the booster club. The girls taught children the fundamentals of tennis. They participated in stations by teaching forehead, backhand, and volleys, aiming to instill the same love of playing tennis at a young age. After the clinic, the team played a home game against Massapequa. The children cheered on the varsity team and watched them win their match.
With only two games before playoffs, the team will be playing its honorary breast cancer match for Breast Cancer Awareness month on October 6. Athletes will wear pink uniforms to show their support and acknowledge this important cause. The team will be playing against Oceanside on October 7, the girls’ last game before playoffs and their senior game.
Girls’ varsity tennis is a solid team with formidable players in every position. Coach Bowes added, “Coaching the varsity girls’ tennis team has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve loved watching the players grow—not just as athletes, but as teammates and leaders. Each season brings new challenges and personalities, and it’s incredible to see how hard these girls work both on and off the court. Being conference champion for the past two years is something I’m extremely proud of. It’s a reflection of their dedication, teamwork, and resilience. They’ve built a culture of positivity and determination, and they truly support one another. More than the titles, I’m proud of the way they carry themselves—with sportsmanship, heart, and pride in our school. I’m especially going to miss my senior leaders as they move on to college next year. They’ve set the tone for what it means to be a part of this program—hardworking, supportive, and full of heart. I know they’ll carry those same qualities into everything they do next.”
Tennis matches can last three or more hours as players compete until the last point, but Lynbrook has always seemed to prevail in the end. Even though it was a particularly difficult season for Lynbrook, the team succeeded and achieved the title of Conference 2B Champions.
