Tennis team aims to rebuild

Jimmy Gleason is well aware of the Laguna Beach High girls’ tennis program’s the past successes.

Two of many accomplishments racked up include a CIF-Southern Section title two years ago and claiming the first Orange Coast League championship last fall. The Breakers played their season opener Thursday at Dana Hills. Gleason, who enters his first year as program coach “”said he sees plenty of talent among his players “” but deems the upcoming season a rebuilding year.

“I look at all the victories this program’s had “” the championships, the dynasties and its rich history “” and that’s impressive,” said Gleason, who previously ran his own tennis academies.

He comes to the school from Kalamazoo, Mich.

“We want to bring the program back to that level,” he said. “This team has a ‘team’ around them to help do that. We have an impressive coaching staff that will instruct the girls.”

Gleason’s staff includes Meghan MacGillivray, Mark Morrissey and Johnny Staph. The coaches will be working with 41 players at all levels this fall.

“We’re building a huge program,” Gleason said. “We have 41 girls out this year, and we didn’t cut anybody. We’ll have a varsity, JV and JV “B” team this year. The girls are really excited.

“I think it’s going to be a rebuilding year. There’s a lot of talent in the program, and I see the hunger in these girls. We’re also building good team chemistry, but there’s a lot of work to be put in this year.”

Gleason said this year’s varsity squad comprises seniors Sarah Russell and Kimberly Smith; juniors Meagan Moss, Lauren Mendoza, Heather Tran, Alex Yates Robinson, Chelsea Cooper, Alex Langton and Megan Marolf; sophomores McKenna Nokes, Alison Azera and Maddie Jaeger; and freshmen Haley Moss and Bianca Sganga.

Jaeger will play No. 1 singles; Haley Moss, No. 2 singles; and Nokes, No. 3.

In doubles “” which will change around, Gleason said “” Azera and Russell will play at No. 1; Tran and Meagan Moss at No. 2; and Yates Robinson and Smith at No. 3.

“I’m really looking forward to the season,” said Gleason, who became coach in early August. “I already love it here.”