Unity, Resiliency, and Triumph: Hopkins Girls Tennis Does it Again

In a video that circulated soon after the Hopkins Girls Tennis team won their second consecutive New England Championship in May 2024, you can clearly read the elation and relief on the faces of each Hopkins athlete  as they came together for one final huddle moments after the victory. The fact that they  won at home, in front of fellow students, parents, and alumni made the  triumph even sweeter.

Roselyn S. ‘27, who made the winning shot to seal the thrilling victory, described the feeling as “surreal.”

“I didn't feel stressed or nervous— it was a kind of calmness. I knew we were going to win but the reality of it didn't hit me until everybody came on the court to celebrate,” said Roselyn.

The team’s championship journey began on Saturday, May 18, at the New England Quarterfinals, where Hopkins narrowly defeated Hotchkiss School by a score of 5-4. They continued their winning ways in the Semifinals against Andover School, triumphing with a decisive 5-1 victory. The stage was then set for the final showdown on Sunday, May 19, where Hopkins faced off against the formidable Winsor School. In a thrilling and closely contested match, Hopkins emerged victorious with another 5-4 win. 

The year prior, Hopkins’ championship victory meant that in 2024 they would rise to the Class A division–the highest division in the league. The fact that Hopkins took the title in their first  attempt at the new decision was the cherry on top.

“It was pure joy from everybody, but for me it was pride,” recalled Roselyn. “It was pride for my team and how well we have fought together, it was pride for winning 4 singles matches in a row to get the win, it was pride for being Class A New England Champions for the first time, and it was pride for Hopkins.”

Jayda R. ‘26  also looked back on that final huddle fondly.

“It felt like we were on top of the world, and like we could accomplish anything,” said Jayda.

Jayda, who joined the group for the first time this past year said she was welcomed onto the team with open arms. 

“Within a few days, I felt like I had always been there. Everyone was nice to each other, flexible, and hard-working,” she recalled. “Everyone was always happy to be there, supporting one another, whether it was practice, a match, or even New Englands,” she said.

Roselyn agreed with Jayda, adding that the team's bond transformed even the most difficult moments throughout the season into opportunities for joy.

“Although match-days can be stressful and intense, we learn to have fun and enjoy the moment because when we have a whole team cheering on each other, a tennis match becomes a fun and exciting game where we understand that we are in this together whether we win or lose,” said Roselyn.

Athletic Director Rocco DeMaio ’86 also recognized the exceptional bond within the team, noting how this unity contributed to their continued success. 

“These teams clearly have a special bond,” he said. DeMaio was quick to credit coaches Michael McManus and Susan Bennitt as well as team captains Kiersten B. ’24, Giulia C. ’24, and Margot S. ’24 for doing a “fantastic job creating and maintaining a winning, buy-in culture.”

Coach McManus said that the coaching staff has helped cultivate this culture of chemistry for over 13 years. According to McManus, as each team sees how the previous team worked together as a unit, it inspires them to continue in the same fashion. This team in particular stood out to McManus as “special.”

"I've never had a team where every kid goes to a match an hour and a half away to watch, even if they're not in the lineup,” said McManus. "They weren’t fighting by themselves on the court. They had 10 other kids standing behind them chasing balls down, hitting shots,” he added.

At an all-school assembly to culminate the spring sports season for every Hopkins team, it was revealed by the players that one of their captains, Margot S. ‘24,  had fallen sick the night before the finals. To the team’s surprise and excitement, Margot showed up ready to play. Coach McManus used this story as a shining example of the resolve his team showed all year.

“Margot said she would’ve done anything to get that win,” he recalled. 

Coach McManus is excited about the potential for continued success next season, driven by the same principles of resilience, unity, and a strong culture of chemistry that have brought them this far. With players like Kate D. ‘25 who was named New England Player of the Year this past season, as well as several returning players poised to take the next step, the team is in familiar territory for continuing a winning and supportive culture, no matter who is on the squad.

"We graduated top players in 2023 and did not miss a beat with new players in the lineup stepping up,” said DeMaio. 

Whether the team can complete a three-peat next season remains to be seen, but one thing remains clear: Hopkins Girls Tennis is on the map.

"These wins show that Hopkins tennis has climbed to the top of the NEPSAC tennis landscape. The future looks bright," DeMaio said.