Leadership Beyond the Serve

SEATTLE---After a difficult 0–14 season last year, the O’Dea Fighting Irish tennis team is entering the new season with a different mindset and higher expectations. Instead of letting last year’s record define them, the team has used it as motivation to improve, grow closer together, and push themselves to be better this season. Leading that effort is senior varsity captain Joseph Stair, who hopes to help guide the team both on and off the court.

For Stair, leadership is about more than just playing well in matches. As a senior captain, he understands that his role includes setting the tone for the entire team. Whether it’s encouraging teammates during tough practices or keeping the team focused during matches, Stair believes leadership comes from consistency and attitude. “As a captain I’m helping set the tone of the team,” Stair said. “We’ve learned to keep pushing no matter the circumstance.”

Last season’s record was tough for the team, but it also taught them valuable lessons about resilience and teamwork. Many players returned this year with the goal of improving not only their individual skills but also their chemistry as a team. According to Stair, the biggest difference this season is the team’s focus on supporting each other and continuing to grow together.

“We want to keep bonding and keep growing as a team together,” Stair said. That sense of unity has become one of the team’s biggest priorities as they prepare for the upcoming matches. Players have been spending extra time practicing, working on fundamentals, and building confidence in their abilities.

The team has also been focusing on maintaining a positive mindset. Instead of focusing on the losses from last season, the players are choosing to look ahead and set new goals. For many of them, success this year isn’t just about wins and losses, but about improvement and effort in every match.

Practices this season have been intense and focused, with players pushing each other to improve their skills and conditioning. Stair has tried to lead by example, showing younger players how dedication and effort can make a difference over the course of a season. As one of the most experienced players on the team, he hopes to leave a lasting impact before graduating.

“I just want everyone to keep working hard and believing in each other,” Stair said. “If we do that, I think we can surprise some teams this year.”

The Fighting Irish know that turning around a season won’t happen overnight, but they are confident that their hard work will pay off. With a new level of determination and a stronger team bond, the players believe they are heading in the right direction.

For Stair, this season represents more than just another year of high school tennis. As a senior, it’s his final opportunity to help shape the culture of the team and leave something behind for future players. By focusing on leadership, effort, and teamwork, he hopes the team will continue to grow even after his time at O’Dea is fulfilled.

As the season begins, the O’Dea tennis team is determined to prove that last year’s record does not define them. With leaders like Joseph Stair setting the example and a team committed to improving together, the Fighting Irish are ready to step onto the court with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.