Austin Nicholson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day School for AZPreps365.com

 

Even though tennis is an individual sport, Phoenix Country Day coach Jerry Keever believes in unity. For away matches, the boys team and girls team travel together. And when players are finished with their matches, they stay and watch their teammates’ matches.

“My goal is to create a team culture at PCDS,” he said.

Misson accomplished.

This spring marks the 26th year for Keever as head coach of boys and girls tennis at Phoenix Country Day. His 684-90 record has garnered him 29 region championships, eight state champion runner-ups, seven state titles, and four coach of the year awards.

Because of his long and successful tenure at PCDS, the school inducted Keever into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

''I just love it here,” he said after PCDS defeated Scottsdale Prep boys 8-1 and girls 9-0 on Thursday to run its record to 3-0.

“It’s pretty inspiring just knowing that we have such a great coach teaching us,” said freshman Tyler Tam.

Keevers’ players are the reason why he loves coaching.

“I really care about the kids and their performance,” Keever said.

The team culture has already affected Tam, who recently won his second individual high school match. 

''Everyone is so welcoming,” Tam said. “I feel like I’ve been on his team for years even though I’m only a freshman.”

The transition from individual to team, however, wasn’t as smooth for some. Sophomore Ashton Kroeger said he still hasn’t grasped it yet, even in his second year.

“It’s pretty weird for me honestly because [before coming to PCDS] it’s been a complete individual sport,” Kroeger said.

It may be different, but he benefits from having teammates.

''If you’re on the court having a bad day, you can’t relate to the person next to you in a [UTSA] tournament,” he said. “But here you have your teammates, and it just helps a lot.”

One thing Keever emphasizes to his players is the phrase “narrow the gap.” When playing doubles, Keever wants his players to narrow the gap between each other, so their opponents have a harder time hitting the ball towards the middle of the court.

“It’s one of his classic sayings,” junior Taraneh Atri said. “[We] hear it like four times every practice.”

Keever also uses the phrase when telling his players how to approach matches.

“[Coach wants us to] narrow the gap between how we play in practice and how we play in games,” junior Katie Bartolino said.

After losing in the state championship game to Scottsdale Prep 5-2 last season, Keever is confident the boys team can go a step further and win it all.

“We have a really talented team,” Keever said. “We have a chance to be very successful.”

Tam, too, has high hopes.

“Even though we lost [five] seniors, we still have a lot of depth,” Tam said. “We all just love playing this sport and love playing together.”

The girls team also came close to winning the state championship last season. They lost to Pusch Ridge in the semifinals 5-0. Fortunately for the Eagles, they did not lose any seniors. Atri said everyone is focused.

“Everyone that played last year is dedicated and motivated to take it to the next level,” Atri said.

Phoenix Country Day’s next match is against Yuma Catholic next Thursday.