He has tested himself in local tennis clubs and against teammates.
Now, South Kitsap senior Aaron Scott is ready for different challenges.
The first came yesterday against Olympia’s Jamie Bautista, who advanced to the Class 4A state tournament last year as a freshman.
“He destroyed me last year,” Scott said. “I would like to see how my progress is.”
Scott believes he has made significant strides in one aspect.
“Last year, I really didn’t have confidence in myself,” he said. “I feel like I have more confidence in myself to hit my strokes.”
Scott also believes he will benefit from focusing on singles’ play this season. Last season, he played doubles during the 4A Narrows League Tournament, where his season ended.
“I feel like I could’ve made it out of leagues if I played singles, so that’s my goal for this year,” Scott said. “With our league being so tough — it’s almost easier to make it out of districts than leagues.”
Todd Olson, who has returned to co-coach the team with Mark Myers after a two-year sabbatical, shared similar sentiments. He noted that 4A Narrows receives four allocations to the West Central District Tournament, which has seven state spots.
“It’s so hard getting out of our league,” Olson said. “Once you get out of our league, it seems easier.
“[Scott] has state aspirations. We’ll see if he can do it. I believe he can.”
In addition to Scott, the Wolves return three other seniors: Nathan Archuleta, Davis Carlsen and Drew Dickey. Olson said Dickey, who regularly practices against Scott and played for South’s 4A state runner-up baseball team, likely will lead the program’s top doubles team.
“He has athletic ability with all of the baseball,” said Olson, adding that Dickey probably will be paired with Carlsen. “And he knows what it takes to be successful with all of the success of our baseball team.”
The rest of the varsity squad, Olson said, will be determined through competitions at practice.
“We have a lot of new kids that have to step up into big roles,” he said. “They’re kind of young tennis-wise.”
