Tennis at Sussex Academy is growing, and one of the reasons the girls’ team had to make cuts for the first time in a while is its string of six straight winning seasons.

In 2026, the goal is still to win and be the top team in the Henlopen South, but the elder stateswomen on the team also see other responsibilities bestowed upon them.

“It's been a little emotional already, just knowing it's my last year, but I have been really excited with how training has been going,” senior captain Karina Lopez said. “All of our girls are really into it and committed, which is great to see.”

Lopez will hold down the No. 1 spot for the Seahawks, while her fellow classmates will see some action in doubles play. Emma Feagans is hoping to be one of the reasons Sussex Academy continues to edge out close matches by securing the doubles matches.

“I'm really looking forward to playing to my best capability, because it's my last season – I'm not playing in college – so I want to leave my best out on the court,” she said.

The senior has been playing with sophomore Gia Berberian during the preseason and has witnessed just how positive and unifying the youngsters' leadership is. Berberian’s former partner, Natalia Gatti, will switch over to singles for her sophomore campaign, playing as the No. 3. Freshman Macy Wheatley won some crucial tiebreakers in the slot last year and will now battle the No. 2s from the opposing team.

The uplifting culture has even attracted a senior to the team for the first time.

“I just really wanted to be a part of the team because it seemed very positive and fun,” said Sarah Lester-Stranick. “I figured it's my senior year. Why not have at it?”

“They all seem excited and ready to go, so that makes me happy as a coach,” Rich Lichtenwalner said.

Lichtenwalner was named the Henlopen Conference Tennis Coach of the Year last season and is showing his main leader, Lopez, what it takes to teach the game.

“She's been a captain every year that she's been here, and now being a senior, she is giving back,” Lichtenwalner said. “I'm putting her more into a coaching role.”

Sussex Academy opens its season against Gunston School at home at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24.