Second year tennis coach for the Foothill Trojans Rueben Jimenez will be the first to admit that this year start has been special. The Trojans have started the year with a 17-2 record including a perfect start to league play. "Last season we did well but I think we saw that we could do even better this year," he said. "Once we started winning it's more of just a 'we can do this now."
This year that winning attitude has be set by senior captain Arturo Lira. "I'm not sure if I'm going to win or lose but I always give it my all knowing that I left it out there on the court," Lira said.
That mindset has helped Lira start the year undefeated. "When he's having a bad day he can change it instantly," Jimenez said. "Every shot is really, really good."
Despite dominating opponents on the court, his coach says they're not shy to sing his praises after the match. "After he beats them, even before, they say 'I've seen you play, I went to the match scared and I didn't even want to play you," Jimenez said.
That respect comes from the sportsmanship he tries to bring on the court every day. "My parents have always taught me to respect others so that you can be respected as well," Lira said. "At the end of the day it's just a game."
While it may be just a game, thanks to his attitude and play, he's helping to reshape the perception of Foothill tennis and leave a legacy for future Trojans to follow.
----
Like Stephen Hicks on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/StephenHicks23ABC
Follow him on Twitter- https://twitter.com/stephenhicks23
