Coaches form significant connections with their players through the years in which they impart their knowledge of the game onto them, and it is these connections that allow for the team to bond and grow closer. As a result, the team stops being just a group of players; instead, it begins to resemble a family. The coach has an important role to fill as a friend and mentor, and tennis coach Fred Buot has succeeded in doing just that.

   Buot has been coaching at the school for the past five years and explains why.

   “I decided to become a coach because I wanted to share my love of the game,” said Buot. “I have been blessed that someone took the time to teach me the game when I was younger and instill in me that tennis passion I have now. I want to give that same opportunity to these girls and show them how tennis can be a passion for life,” said Buot.

   These ideals are present through his player’s recollections of Fred, even in their favorite memories. Junior Samveda Ruk, one of Fred’s players, confessed one of her fondest memories with him.

   “We went to a sushi restaurant and I asked him why are there always goldfish in the tanks, and he told me that they make sushi out of them. I’m a vegetarian and I was devastated! Afterwards, he told me it was a joke, but he likes to joke around and I like that humor on the courts. No one likes to be stressing out, and before a match, I would rather just laugh. We don’t take things lightly on the courts, but before [the match] we like to calm ourselves down,” said Ruk

   It’s times like this Buot will remember and cherish; Ruk explains her respect for the time Buot gives for the game. He has made sacrifices for the love of his team and continues to do so.

  “Fred also has three little girls, they are all elementary school age. It’s really nice to see him give up most of his family time, and he takes us on trips. Not many coaches are up to give their car and their time for a bunch of tennis girls he might have only known for a year,” said Ruk.

   As for his last year, Buot hopes to develop a strong team bond so that the team can learn and play better.

   “I always believe developing a strong bond in a team is essential to its success,” said Buot. “No matter how excellent your players are, if the bond and team cohesiveness is not there, the team will not succeed and will fail.  If the team is able to develop that strong team bond, anything is possible this season!”

Photo by Ashley Hancock