HARLINGEN — This past Tuesday, the Harlingen South Hawk tennis team took home the District 32-6A title for the fall team season as they defeated crosstown rival Harlingen 18-1 at Harlingen South High School.
Following the win, it was business as usual for the Hawks as they have taken home 21 of the last 23 titles. However, head tennis coach Noe Stillman believes that the team’s success is due to a tough schedule during the season and a year-round helping of tennis.
They have also been the district champions in the boys and girls division the past seven years.
“It feels great, but we have a good group of kids. These kids have really dedicated themselves all year long and put a lot into tennis and not just here at school, but away from it,” said head tennis coach Noe Stillman.
“The school district also allows us to venture out of the Valley and into the San Antonio area. I really think that’s why we’re playing as well as we are. We’ve picked up a lot of good experience and the team is playing at a very high level.”
Sharing in a lot of that South success is Caitlyn Resendiz, who has won the district title every year since her freshman year.
Now a senior, Resendiz takes treats every championship special, since she knows that the team has to get by small early season hurdles.
“We have to deal with bringing a long the incoming freshmen and seniors leaving every year, so it’s a challenge that we face every year,” Resendiz said. “We do play all year long so it helps and we all work really hard and we always want this.”
The state rankings have also taken notice on how well the Hawks have played as the team is ranked 15th in the state.
This year the Hawks went 14-2 during the season, falling to two of the top 10 teams in the state in Katy Seven Lakes (6A) and Boerne Champion (5A).
Now, the Hawks will try their luck at the area tournament later this month.
The team shows no signs of slowing down.
“We played good as a team, I’m proud that everyone has been working hard and I can see that everyone is giving their best effort; we all have a desire to win,” South boys team captain Jeremiah Gonzalez said.
“I think we have a good shot to win the Area tournament and do well at the regional level after that.”