The boys’ tennis team finished off the 2025-26 season ranked number six in Division II. After facing some adversity in their first couple of games and starting the season with just a 1-3 record, the team’s level of competitiveness eventually pushed them to success.
Coach Charles Bourke emphasized the team’s ability to compete against strong opponents and learn from mistakes as one of the biggest reasons for its growth. Finishing number six in Division II marked a high point for Algonquin in recent years.
“Whatever you do, give it your best effort, and you’ll have few regrets and setbacks; losses are the moments of greatest growth opportunities,” Bourke said.
The team pushed through its slow start, and week after week, the wins followed through on their hard work and competitiveness. Senior captain Jackson Stiles described the team in the three words of spirited, determined, and dominant.
“This has easily been my favorite team of the last four years because each player brings all three of these qualities to the court every day,” Stiles said.
The team bonded through the tough moments and came even closer.
“Even when the team was at its lowest, the boys came together through moments like team dinners to really bond with each other and stay connected,” Stiles said.
As the season continued, the boys persevered through it all, always keeping a steady mindset no matter the outcome.
“I think the team has responded to my mantra of the next point; no matter what happened in the prior point, move on and focus on the next,” Bourke said.
Looking ahead, the main focus is on not only the new and incoming class, along with returning players, but also on how the team ended this season. High-level wins against teams like Acton-Boxborough, which at the time was ranked number two in Division I, helped Algonquin build momentum for the team to finish out the season on a strong note, but also set a standard for next year’s team.
The 2025-26 season didn’t measure out into what they wanted originally, finishing 8-7, but through their passion for the game, they made the most of it, and just like baseball legend Albert Pujols would say, “It’s not how you start your season, it’s how you finish.”
The team came through when it mattered most and made the most of their season, reaching high places and achieving accomplishments. For Stiles, his message to the team next year is to remember that tennis is a team game and to always be there for each other.
“Compete, improve and win,” Bourke said.
