Junior Kenzo Hirakawa-Wong and sophomore Jay Wong sat down with SantaClaraBroncos.com to recap this season.
SantaClaraBroncos.com: As a player, how has this season been?
Jay Wong: It has been quite interesting because last year I played as high as the No. 3 spot and this year I have only played at the No. 1 position in singles. I have been able to play against the top players against the opponents we faced. It has been a very good experience for me as a player, because I am able to develop into a better more experienced player.
Kenzo Hirakawa-Wong: For me this season has changed my role on the team. In my freshman and sophomore seasons I saw limited time and this season I have played in every match, as high as the No. 2 spot. I have been called on to perform and I think my experience has helped me see success this season.
SCB: Kenzo, this year you are a co-captain, how has that changed your role on the team?
KHW: When I was an underclassman I saw how our captains helped lead us and I try to emulate that. As a captain, I try to lead by example and I take on more responsibility, like at practice making sure guys continue to work hard and stay focused.
SCB: This season four new players have joined the team, how has the team changed?
JW: Initially it was hard for us to have three walk-ons, especially after the solid team we had last year. I knew that we were going to get new players because guys graduated and got hurt after last season, but I definitely needed to transition into this team. We are all working very hard and it can only get better.
KHW: This is a different team, but we all have one thing in common - we work hard. The new guys, especially, are always working on their skills and are not afraid to learn. They are dedicated to improving themselves as tennis players and often work on their hitting outside of practice.
 Sophomore Jay Wong  |
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SCB: As the season concludes, what do you anticipate for next season?
JW: I am hoping that we get a couple new guys to who are ready to compete and play in our lineup. I think this season definitely taught us a lot and we can only get better. We all have the drive to play hard and commitment to this team, and I hope the new recruits will come to the program with that mentality.
KHW: I want to continue to train hard in the off season and play as much as possible. This year I played in every match and I hope to play just as much next season. Our team next year will build off this season and if we all continue to train hard next season we will see success.