The Madison Girls Varsity Tennis Team is captained by three different players, across three different age groups, for the fall 2024 season; Senior Kaden Peterson, Junior Mackenzie Dickson, and Sophomore Sadie Tricarico. This unusual scenario is a testament to the idea that leadership has no age; an idea that is serving as a newfound motivation for the team this season.
After losing thirteen seniors, the Dodgers knew that people would need to step up to fill in roles this year. Peterson, Dickson, and Tricarico have filled these positions.
Peterson has been a member of the varsity squad since her freshman year and has served as a captain for three years. Dickson and Tricarico, however, are first year starters on the Varsity team. The two are a second doubles pairing this season.
Junior Mackenzie Dickson says that the “unique team dynamic this year has brought the team closer together both on and off the court.” The sisterhood that has been established, she says, has “motivated the girls on the team to not only work hard for themselves, but for the rest of the team as a whole.” The girls have come together, attending the US Open and the Madison Carnival this fall.
While the team is off to a tough start, with 3 wins and 5 losses thus far, they are driven to bounce back. Kaden Peterson says, “We have used these early losses as a learning opportunity to further prepare for the rest of the season building up to counties and group states”.
The dodgers will take on Morristown Beard on September 16, Randolph on September 17, and Kinnelon on September 18.