This tennis season has been one of the most fulfilling and uplifting experiences I’ ve had at Sevenoaks. Week after week, I’ ve witnessed both my own growth and the team’ s growth. What stood out wasn’ t just the level of competition, or the sets we won, but the spirit we brought to every session – supportive, determined, and, most importantly, genuinely excited to improve.
There has also been a remarkable sense of unity and purpose this year that has carried the team. Whether that was staying behind after the end of training to practise serves, or supporting one another through tricky matches, we have fostered a culture where everyone wants each other to succeed. Through the supportive nature of the school, I have seen how this sense of community has made an enormous difference in the team’ s performance, and also just how enjoyable the whole experience is.
A highlight for me was watching Leo Saacke and Ayaan Motwani win their first doubles match together. From the outset, it was clear that they had developed tremendously as a pair, actively communicating throughout the game, covering for one another, and fighting for each point. What struck me most wasn’ t just their technical improvement, but the quiet confidence that came from hours of unnoticed practice, mutual trust and shared setbacks. Seeing that effort finally translate into success was genuinely moving. It sparked a collective sense of pride across the team – not just happiness for them, but a recognition of what perseverance and teamwork can really achieve.
Above all, this season has shown me that the most meaningful victories aren’ t measured by the scoreboard, but by the growth we experience, the bonds we form, the resilience we build and the quiet determination to keep evolving, both as athletes and as people.
Alex Tarashev, Lower Sixth
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2024-2025 87