Despite the spring athletic seasons being canceled due to COVID-19 precautions, the dedication and leadership exuded by the spring sports captains at Walpole High School will be fully recognized.

Lauren Lavanchy

When did you first begin playing this sport?

I first started playing when I was five years old. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

No.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

My mom was the first person to teach me the game. 

Who have always been some big opponents/rivals? Why?

Milton and Norwood were always two of our biggest rivals, we always played competitive matches against them. 

How has this sport impacted you?

Tennis has helped me build my confidence, and I’ve made many wonderful friends. It is a sport that I will continue to play for the rest of my life. 

What is one of your favorite memories of this sport?

My favorite memory is Coach Dave driving the white bus to every match and stopping for Chipotle afterwards. 

Emily Duseau

When did you first begin playing this sport?

Sophomore year.

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

I don’t know yet. 

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

Coach Dave has been my coach for the junior year season and would have been for this season as well. He always encouraged us to have a positive attitude because that was one of the things we could control during tennis matches, which I thought was always encouraging! And he would often get food and snacks for us after matches which was really nice. We also all made his dog our team mascot!

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

Dance Company, Swim and Dive Team and Feminism Club.

Who have always been some big opponents/rivals? Why?

I don’t think tennis has any specific rival teams.

How has this sport impacted you?

Even if I was only able to play two seasons of tennis, I think that the friends I’ve made and have played with on the team are what has impacted me the most. I play doubles, so my doubles partners have always been so much fun to play with. I know I’ll remember that about tennis! 

What is one of your favorite memories of this sport?

My favorite memory I think was either all of the bus rides on the small bus we had for away matches or last year’s senior night. We made posters and gift boxes for our seniors, and it was so much fun to do that with them. 

Nidhi Byragoni

When did you first begin playing this sport?

Since I was 12 years old. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

Yes.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

My grandfather, since he was the one who got me into this sport in the first place and taught me the basics of it. 

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

Speech and Math Team. 

Who have always been some big opponents/rivals? Why?

Weymouth and Wellesley are two teams that have very strong players who are very dedicated to the sport. 

How has this sport impacted you?

Being on this team has given me the opportunity to make more friends and have an athletic side to my academic career. 

What is one of your favorite memories of this sport?

The day we beat Milton last year. Coach bringing his dog was the highlight of that match.