Connie McHugh is the new Martha’s Vineyard high tennis coach

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The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls tennis team had its best season ever last year winning 13 of its 18 matches. According to new girls’ tennis coach Connie McHugh, the girls’ aim is to improve on that record, an ambitious goal.

Coach McHugh describes her squad as “very strong but still young.”

The team co-captains are Michaella Gaines and Camila Fernandez. Michaella joins Celia Mercier again in second doubles. Camila will play either singles or doubles, whichever is called for.

Annie Burton will lead off at first singles as she did last year. Alyssa Adler’s deep serves and heavy groundstrokes will serve her well at second singles. Dylan Brockmeyer with her height and reach will hold down the fort at third singles.

Julia Cooper and Annabelle Hackney return as the first doubles team. They made a strong showing as freshmen at the MIAA tourney last year.

The fact that so much of last year’s successful team returns lends credence to the optimistic aspirations of the team’s coach.

Coach Connie McHugh is the founder and owner of the Vineyard Tennis Center and is the vice president of the New England Professional Tennis Assn. After graduating from Northeastern University, Connie coached the Salem State College team, then moved to Philadelphia where she taught tennis at indoor clubs and was assistant coach at Haverford College.

Before moving to the Vineyard, Connie was Director of Juniors for the Middle States for the U.S. Tennis Assn.