Season Recap: Girls Varsity Tennis

After entering the season with a young and relatively inexperienced roster, the ISI Gryphons Girls Varsity Tennis team focused on growth, consistency, and building a strong team culture. Those goals were reflected in the aspirations players shared at the beginning of the season.

“My goals this season are to be more consistent and improve my skill,” said Grade 12 student Amalia Cristea. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my team and friends.”

Grade 11 student Veronica Sabau was focused on helping the team succeed on the court. “My biggest goal coming into the season is to get at least a few team wins,” she said.

For senior Gabby Vergnaud, the team's bond stood out from the start. “There’s a strong sense of family through the team,” she said. “When we play, we play for each other and for ourselves.”

That family atmosphere became one of the defining characteristics of the season. According to Head Coach Haley Bougher, the team's goals extended beyond wins and losses. “We had a relatively young and inexperienced team this season, so our primary goals were simple: have fun, develop our tennis skills, and foster a love for the game that would continue beyond the girls' time at ISI,” Bougher said.

The season presented challenges as the Gryphons gained valuable experience against some of the state's strongest competition. “While we faced some challenges and losses throughout the season, those experiences helped us grow as competitors,” Bougher said. “Despite having limited match experience heading into both the Whiteland Invitational and the PAAC Conference, our team embraced the opportunity to compete against strong opponents, including several highly ranked programs.”

The team's growth was evident by season's end. The Gryphons finished fourth at the PAAC Conference, behind Park Tudor, currently ranked fourth in the state, and University, a top-40 team. “Along the way, our players earned several impressive individual victories and demonstrated tremendous personal growth, both on and off the court,” Bougher said.

As the season came to a close, the Gryphons reflected on a year defined by more than standings and scores. “This season was defined not only by results, but by the friendships, growth, and memories our team created together,” Bougher said. The team's commitment to one another, combined with their on-court development, made the 2026 season one to remember.