Any coach will tell you that having a close-knit group of players is crucial for a team’s success. Luckily for Mountain Ridge boys tennis coach Parker Hansen, he had good camaraderie on the squad. 

And it helped that a pair of brothers were there to pace the Sentinels. 

Senior Bridger Newsome and his brother, sophomore Matthias Newsome, were two of the standout performers this season for Mountain Ridge. Both players have worked hard to improve their game and have the attitude and mindset that Hansen looks for. The brothers’ father got the Newsome siblings interested in tennis. Bridger began playing as a freshman, while Matthias is in his third year playing the sport. 

Bridger said he gets a lot out of working hard and seeing the fruits of his labors on the court. 

“I love to give my all at something, and my competitive nature keeps me coming back,” he said. 

For Matthias, who is part of the Sentinels’ second doubles team, winning motivates him and is what he loves most about playing tennis. He also said he is working hard to improve his serves. Both brothers have enjoyed being a part of the Mountain Ridge program. Not only do they love playing together and working toward the same goals, but they had nothing but positive things to say about their teammates and the coaching staff. Matthias has fun playing with the others on the team, both at matches and at practice. Bridger said team activities strengthened the players’ bond. 

“I think team dinners are one of the most fun aspects about being on the team,” he said. 

Bridger played first singles, so every match, he had the challenge of facing the other team’s best player. He never backs down from this opportunity and likes to use his talents and abilities to his advantage. 

The physical aspects of tennis can be daunting. Some matches can be long and grueling, so being a successful player requires the person to be in good shape. 

“Endurance training is the most challenging thing,” Matthias said. 

However, Bridger said something else can be even more difficult to overcome. 

“I would definitely say that the mental aspect of the game is the most challenging,” he said. 

The Sentinels had a young team, with seven freshmen on the squad. Even as a sophomore, Matthias was one of the most seasoned veterans for Mountain Ridge. 

Next season, Matthias will play without Bridger, who will graduate. However, Matthias will likely move in to a more leadership role as a junior. He is already planning on attending Brigham Young University after he graduates. λ