Washington girls turn tennis program around

When Adam Bachman began his coaching tenure with the Washington girls' tennis team this season, he didn't see a team coming off a 1-9 season.

He didn't care that it had been 25 years since Washington's last appearance in the Public League finals. And he wasn't discouraged by the fact that the Eagles didn't just lose last year – they barely practiced.

All Bachman saw was a completely blank slate – one that he was sure he could help turn into a winner.

With that confidence and a newfound dedication by his players, 1-9 became 10-0 this year, with Eagles earning home court advantage in the first round of the league playoffs next week against Central.

"All this team lacked last year was structure," Bachman said. "Initially, they had the desire last year. But without that structure, they lost interest. All I did was bring structure to this team. And they've completely dedicated themselves to practice. I tell them that matches are the time to have fun and showcase their ability, but we work hard every day at practice."

Perhaps the most staggering fact about Washington's success is that the team that went 10-0 this season is essentially the same team that went 1-9 last year.

There are only two new starters on this year's team. And the Eagles are led by Marie Samashdivili, who skyrocketed from an unranked player last year to the No. 1 ranked girls' tennis player in the Public League this year.

"Playing well is contagious," Bachman said. "Just the mindset on this team is completely different. We had to learn not just how to win but how to win for each other. And I think now, we have that attitude."

Though Bachman was confident in his team from day one, the absolute turning point for everyone in the program came earlier in the season when Washington beat defending league champion Northeast, 4-1.

"We pulverized them," Bachman said. "And we beat Masterman, 3-2, and they're another very good team. At that point, I think the team really started to realize that all the hard work they were putting in really was paying off."

Going forward, Bachman doesn't see any reason why his team can't win the league championship. And though it's been 25 years since their last appearance in the finals, he doesn't see any reason why the Eagles can't start making those trips a regular occurence.

"We want to win the championship," Bachman said. "But even if we don't win, that's OK. Like I tell the team all the time, if we keep working hard, our day will come. Even if we lose, our day will come."