FALL SPORTS ‘24: Making a racket at Vashon’s tennis program

Vashon’s boys tennis team returned this fall with 19 players, filling out a healthy and deep roster, coach Todd Zimberg said.

“We have a strong varsity, and we’re solid through our third doubles,” he said. “We have some strength in the middle and are looking to the future … (and) we have quite a number of freshmen who have turned out, and (assistant coach) Richard Moore has been working a lot with JV. Those guys are all learning their skills.”

Zimberg started as an assistant coach in 2021 and took over this year after the retirement of Rick Doussett in 2023.

Zimberg also coaches the girls team — which plays in the spring — assisted by Janie Andrews and Art Rack. Moore may also assist with the girls’ team, Zimberg said.

“For me, taking on the role of head coach, I guess it’s been humbling,” Zimberg said. “Finding out all the work that coach Rick Doussett was doing — I was pretty aware of what he was up to, but there’s a lot going on with the roster and the squad, all the little things that happen.”

The boys team boasts three returning seniors: Xan London-Chambers, Lennon Hinz, and captain Charlie Walker.

Walker has been to state both of the last two years; his partner during those seasons, Finn Hawkins, graduated last spring. Walker is now playing doubles with junior Colt Holloway, and has played three matches at singles.

Another player to keep an eye on: Sophomore Sevie Giller, playing number one singles.

London-Chambers is filling in at singles too, and Zimberg said he’s excited to see the team building some depth in singles.

Graduating only three seniors this year means the lion’s share of the team will be returning, and Zimberg said that makes for a good growth stage.

The team was 4-2 when The Beachcomber spoke to Zimberg, picking up key early wins and taking a close 2-3 loss to Annie Wright that Zimberg said he’d like to see the team pay back.

They’ll get that rematch this week — at home — on October 3.

“That was a close one, and we’ll look forward to playing them again,” Zimberg said.

In tennis, both the boys and the girls compete at playoffs and at state in the spring after the girls season ends.

The girls team will be one to watch as well, Zimberg said; they only graduated one senior last year. Paloma Freda and Tuula Beck will return, and the team will also boast doubles power pairs Sailor Frith and Maddie Youman, and Stella Wahanik and Ada Umbach.

“Someone who really stepped up at the end of the season last year” for the girls was Stella Nackos, Zimberg said.

At the end of the day, he’s especially proud of Vashon’s tennis program for their character.

“(Doussett) was coach of the year last year, his last year … and in carrying on that tradition, the girls received the sportsmanship award,” Zimberg said. “I care a lot about that. It’s not about the wins and the losses, but the growth potential.”

SCHEDULED GAMES

• 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3: Annie Wright (at home)

• 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8: Charles Wright Academy (at Charles Wright)

• 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10: East Jefferson (at home)

• 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15: Klahowya Secondary School (at home)

• 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17: Cascade Christian School (at Clarks Creek Park)

• 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21: Life Christian Academy (at home)