Senior tennis player Ayla Hauser finished last season as the runner-up in both the district and region final.

That has made her even more determined to repeat her trip to state her sophomore year.

“After my run was cut short last season I was definitely motivated to work harder in the off-season,” Hauser said. “For me, I train almost every day for two hours in clinics or lessons. As a team, we started the season off with two practices a week where we really worked on building our game with one another.”

The tennis team practices together enjoying each other’s company while working hard to accomplish different goals. Both teams play William Blount on Tuesday at West Hills.

“I am feeling excited and bittersweet going into my last season of Bearden tennis,” she said. “I am really excited to be doing this all again with such a wonderful team, but it is definitely going to be hard to say goodbyes to all of the amazing people I have met.”

Hauser’s goal for this year is to claim a spot at state. The team has been working diligently in the preseason workouts to prepare for this season’s matches.

In addition to Hauser’s state goal, she is determined to beat rival Farragut in doubles this year.

“My doubles partner [sophomore] Reece Smith and I want to win our doubles match against Farragut, them being one of the most competitive teams in our district,” Hauser said. “As a team, I hope that we can make it to regionals this year. We had close runs in the district for both boys and girls last year, and we are going to pull out the win this year.”

Graduating seniors last year left an open spot for leadership on the team. Hauser has filled this role and is excited to be a positive influence and role model for the underclassmen.

“I am excited to be able to step into more of a leadership role this season,” she said. “When I started the team as a freshman, I always felt welcome by the upperclassmen on the team.

“They always motivated me to play better and made the team that much more fun. Now that I am a senior, I am excited that I will be able to step into this role. Overall, I want to bring the team closer together this season.”