By JULISSA PANIAGUA
The Tower
MANTECA- As laughter and excitement filled the air, baskets full of gifts and snacks were being passed between coaches and teammates, turning an ordinary tennis game at the Union Courts into something special. As they were surrounded by their teammates and friends, the girl’s tennis team took center stage for the team’s first ever Senior-Night, a dedicated moment to recognize the players who helped make the season memorable.
The girl’s tennis team celebrated their first ever Senior-Night by recognizing the four-year tennis players with gifts, snacks, flowers, and special moments shared between the whole team. The celebration gave the seniors memories that they will continue to carry beyond graduation and an opportunity to reflect on their 4 years of playing tennis.
“I think it meant a lot because I felt special, and I felt like I was going to be remembered, and I also realized how much my tennis team loves me,” senior Alyson (Alvarado) said.
Throughout their four years on the team, seniors Paisley Coenenberg, Alyson Alvarado, and Julissa Paniagua, have developed not only as tennis players but also as people. Being part of the team has helped them step outside their comfort zones, become more confident, and build friendships within the team.
Manteca High School's Girl's Tennis Team and their families pose for Senior Night photo on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026. (Julissa Paniagua/The Tower
“I would say that it has impacted me as a player and as a person by really helping me come out of my shell, I feel like I’ve grown a lot with these girls and really enjoyed it over the past four years.” Paisley Coenenberg said. She explains how coaches MaryAnn Tolbert and Elizabeth Russell are one of the main reasons why the whole team has been able to become very close. They have helped the team become more like a family rather than a group of individuals.
Besides improving their tennis skills on the court, the seniors have created many memories that has made their tennis experience feel worth it. From spending time together to going on trips for tournaments, these shared moments have helped strengthen their friendships.
Coenenberg says her favorite memories came from the Clovis tournament during her junior and senior year because of the way it brought everyone closer together.
Alvarado remembers a funny moment from her sophomore year, when the former girl’s tennis captain, Shreya Raman, spotted a watermelon vendor on the side of the road while driving to a match. Shreya stopped the van and got out to buy it, turning a regular trip into a memorable team story.
As the seniors look back on their final years with the team, they leave advice for the underclassmen. They hope that the future senior tennis players will appreciate every memory made with the team. Their advice focuses on staying true to themselves, making the most of the friendships they’ll make along the way, and enjoying the experience itself.
“Have fun and be true to yourself.” Alyson Alvarado says.
Coenenberg shared similar advice, encouraging the younger players to make the most out of everything, especially moments shared with friends old and new, because the years pass quickly. She expressed her appreciation for the coaches and teammates who helped make the girl’s tennis team’s first Senior Night meaningful.