After a stellar freshman year, Centralia’s Zander Corwin is more ready than ever for his sophomore tennis season! With intense offseason training and the deepest team coach Hopkins has seen, are the Tigers set to dominate the courts this fall? You won’t believe the talent they’re bringing!

Centralia’s Zander Corwin stands on the precipice of his sophomore tennis season, showcasing an unparalleled readiness developed through years of dedicated training. Having honed his skills across countless doubles tournaments and actively engaging in singles play during the offseason, Corwin embodies versatility and preparation, ready to embrace any role the Centralia tennis team requires this fall.

His impressive freshman year culminated in a remarkable second-place finish at the Class 2A state doubles tournament, where he teamed with his now-graduated brother, Jacoby. This experience at the highest level of high school competition has undoubtedly fueled his ambition and sharpened his competitive edge for the upcoming season.

Longtime head coach Keith Hopkins has expressed immense satisfaction with Corwin’s commitment, noting, “He’s even more ready than he was last spring. Really pleased with his work ethic.” This endorsement from his coach underscores the significant strides Corwin has made in his development as a pivotal player for the Centralia Tigers, aiming for another strong state tournament appearance.

The 2025 Centralia tennis squad, anchored by experienced returners Corwin and Jonah Lowe, is characterized by an extraordinary depth of talent. Coach Hopkins holds a unique optimism for this group, proclaiming it “by far the deepest, most talented team I’ve been around,” a sentiment that bodes well for their performance in the Evergreen Conference.

This exceptional depth is attributed to the unwavering dedication of several players who maintained their rigorous training schedules throughout the winter and summer months. Hopkins emphasizes that the team’s strength is not merely physical prowess but a comprehensive blend of skill, strategy, and consistent effort, representing “the whole package” for a successful sophomore season.

A key strategic decision for the coaching staff involves Corwin’s placement for the season – whether he will compete in singles or form a new doubles partnership. While singles offers a chance to focus on groundstrokes, Corwin has expressed a keen interest in maintaining his volley skills, stating, “I still want to incorporate the volley and try to move up a lot.” The final decision will likely be influenced by the competitive landscape of the district.

Corwin himself exudes confidence in the Tigers’ potential, believing they should be considered favorites as they approach their season opener against Charles Wright Academy in two weeks. His proactive mindset, aiming to “approach it with the best competition possible,” is designed to build unwavering confidence for the inevitable tough matches ahead.

Coach Hopkins also acknowledges the consideration of Corwin playing singles, reinforcing the flexibility and strength across the roster. The team’s final lineup will be strategically determined, ensuring every player is utilized to maximize Centralia’s chances for a highly successful and memorable tennis season, building on past state tournament experiences and aiming for a deep run.