Lynna King ‘25, Sports Writer

2022 Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team

Image courtesy of @na_minutemen Instagram

Newark Academy’s Girls’ Tennis Team wrapped up an exciting season this past October. With an impressive record of 17-3, the team only lost to Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA). The Minutemen competed in the American Division of the Super Essex Conference, facing top-ranked teams like Millburn, Livingston, West Essex, MKA, and Montclair. After coming close to securing the 2021 Tournament of Champions title, the girls were ecstatic to kick off another successful season. Led by captains Mallika Reddy ‘23, Hilary Adelman ‘23 and Molly Egan ‘24, and coached by Mr. Scerra and Dr. DiBianca, the team focused on their motto: “Win the day!” 

The Lady Minutemen fought hard in September during the Essex County tournament, dominating Montclair 5-0. They also toppled Millburn for the first time in twelve years, which was their biggest win all season. Although they fell to MKA 2-3 in a hard-fought finals battle, Adelman and Egan were crowned Individual Essex County Tournament Doubles Champions; the team shared the conference title for the first time since 2001. The girls also won the Newark Academy Invitational, defeating Princeton Day and Holy Angels. In the state tournament, the girls beat Eastern Christian and Morristown Beard 5-0 but had a tough 1-4 loss to MKA in the semifinals. 

“The team is so proud of our performance this year,” said Captain Egan. A large part of their vigorous performance this season was their emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. “This year, the team focused on believing in ourselves in order to win our matches,” Egan noted. Ayanna Varma, the team’s first singles player, added, “the team worked on getting better everyday, in order to face tough opponents.” Growing closer as a team, the girls always cheered for their teammates, on and off the courts. No matter the score or team, the girls always fought hard. 

Sophomores Varma and Yu received the individual honor of All-Conference First Team and Adelman, Egan, and Varma all took home All-State, Third Team for this season. “When I look back on this season, I’ll remember the team’s commitment to competing every single day, their mental toughness, and their desire to play for one another,” commented Coach Scerra. 

Over the years, NAGVT has built their team image as a family, that continues to improve by learning from mistakes, and that face challenges every day. This image is extremely important for underclassmen and middle school girls’ tennis players, who in the future may choose to join the team as a part of their high school career. The varsity and JV girls set the example as student-athletes, balancing the rigorous courses they take in upper school with long after school practices and tournament days. Doing so allows the younger athletes to believe that while it is a big commitment and responsibility to be a part of any high school team at NA, it is definitely possible to balance the sport with school work and outside activities. This image continues to influence younger players, as seen through the large pools of incoming freshmen girls’ tennis players each year. 

Throughout Girls’ Tennis’ history at Newark Academy, the team has accumulated 25 sectional titles, 24 state titles, and nine Tournament of Champions titles. Although the team will lose seven seniors, the 2023 season still looks promising. With strong underclassmen, Varma ‘25 and Yu ’25, the team retains its first and second singles. Captain Egan ‘24 will continue to lead the girls as they take on some of the best teams in the state next fall. Way to go NAGVT!