There are many ways that Royals spend their time after school. Some participate in the Royal Robotics team, while others take to the stage in Trinitas or conservatory classes and still others enjoy volunteering at different organizations. There is, however, a special group of Royals that hit the courts when the clock strikes 2:05 p.m. The tennis team, coached by Mrs. Simonton, Coach Amanda Perez ‘14 and Coach Kris, is currently in their 2025 fall season. The team has been practicing since Spring 2025 and continued to practice over the summer to further hone their skills. The team consists of a junior varsity team– coached by Coach Amanda– and a varsity team– coached by Mrs. Simonton and Coach Kris. With these supportive and helpful coaches, the Rosary tennis team is in good hands.
This year, the JV team has two captains: Anna Dobyns ‘28 and Musa Fasulo ‘28. Dobyns’ first year on the Rosary tennis team, fall 2024, was a memorable season for her. She played for the JV team, learning both about the game and what it means to be a Royal: “My time on the tennis team has been full of such fun experiences, whether it’s team bonding or even getting Chick-Fil-A on the way back from a match. I am very grateful for the things I’ve accomplished and everything that’s yet to come. Taking on a leadership role on the team is a lot of responsibility but I’ve enjoyed every second of it, and I’m grateful that all of my teammates have made it such a good time.” On the team’s work ethic, Dobyns adds, “The JV team continues to keep their spirits up through losses and close calls. They all have a passion for tennis that is seen through their playing and, more importantly, they are wonderful girls at heart.”
The varsity team also has two captains: Elizabeth Braatz ‘27 and Valerie Palomino ‘26. These Royals consistently work at their game and their focus in order to improve physically, intellectually and emotionally. With higher expectations of the varsity team comes a more difficult learning curve, but these girls have embraced it and worked hard– and come out better on the other side. Megan Ramirez ‘27 made the varsity team for the fall 2025 season after being on the JV team during her sophomore year. Being on the tennis team has helped her grow, and not just in her athletic abilities. “Being on the tennis team has helped me to develop socially, and to be more outgoing,” Ramirez says, “There has been a definitive change in my personality and my character from my freshman to sophomore to junior year.”
Being on any team can be a great way to make friends and to find your passions. I can attest to this statement: I met my best friend, Elizabeth Vadkerti ‘27, through tennis, and our bonds to the sport that started our friendship still exist today. These Royals are always supportive of each other and are always willing to help each other, no matter if their problems exist on the courts or off. With these tennis girls, teamwork truly does make the dream work.
Of course, teamwork cannot truly make the dream work without the fantastic Rosary tennis coaches. Head Coach Debbie (as Mrs. Simonton’s tennis players refer to her) has been playing tennis since she was a little girl, and her abilities are proof of the years of practice she has put in: Mrs. Simonton has played as both a division one college athlete and on the USTA Pro team. While she enjoys competing, Mrs. Simonton has found that her passion truly lies in coaching. With Coach Kris and Coach Amanda by her side, the coaches bring out the best in their players. Coaching does not come without struggle, but with hardworking Royals like the ones on the tennis team, the job becomes far simpler.
The tennis team has matches multiple days a week and plays at the Fullerton Tennis Center. The remainder of this week as well as next week sees the tennis team playing Katella High School (Oct. 1; varsity home at 2:30 p.m. and JV away at 3:30 p.m.), Whittier Christian High School (Oct. 2; varsity home at 2:30 p.m.) and Irvine High School (Oct. 7; varsity away at 3:30 p.m.). The full match schedule is located under “Tennis” on the Rosary Academy website. Calling all tennis fans: come and support the tennis Royals at one of their matches this season. You won’t regret it!
