This season, Boulder High Boys Tennis dominated the 5A region and reached their goal of qualifying for states. On October 17, they placed sixth in the state, qualified all seven of their lines and won their region. What’s the driving force for the team’s success? Head Coach Nick Salazar, along with the six assistant coaches and energetic spirit of the players. With Salazar at the forefront, the team has a lively dynamic, breaking the stereotype that tennis is a quiet and reserved sport. 

According to Salazar, the team had its eyes set out on states since the start of the season in August. Making it to states wasn’t easy, Mike Nold ‘22, Varsity 3rd singles emphasized saying, “Just qualifying for state was a battle for me, and seeing everybody else fight equally as hard and qualify makes the feeling that much better. “

The team defies expectations both on the court and the sidelines. Players regularly cheer like they are in the thick of a football game, sometimes becoming more emotionally invested in their teammate’s match than their own. Their passion and excitement is part of what has helped them be so successful. Nold said, “The team has been court-side for all my matches, cheering until some of them lose their voices.”

Salazar first began playing tennis at the age of 12 and he channeled his passion into coaching  during college. He has been coaching ever since and was well qualified to take over the position of head coach three years ago. He spends ten to fifteen hours a week coaching the team while also teaching history. 

Salazar says, “Being able to see player progression… see them succeed even if they are not winning on the tennis court, just seeing that upfront and in person is very rewarding.” For Salazar, Being a coach  is more than just winning— it’s about seeing the players grow as people through the game of tennis.