EDITOR’S NOTE: In the “Senior Spotlight,” The Durango Herald will publish personal stories from athletes, coaches and teams affected by the cancellation of spring sports in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. To share a story, email sports editor John Livingston at jlivingston@durangoherald.com
The Durango High School girls tennis team was one of the only spring sports programs in the state that was able to get a taste of competition in 2020.
In three dual matches, the promise of the 2020 Demons was evident. With star No. 1 singles player Mavis Edwards, a senior at Bayfield High School who plays for DHS because Bayfield does not offer girls tennis, the Demons had the powerhouse player on the front end of the roster to go with a loaded group of experience at the doubles positions, too.
But the journey to a state tournament never got very far. The new coronavirus pandemic swept the country and eliminated the spring sports season for Colorado High School Activities Association athletes in its path.
Here is a closer look at the five DHS girls tennis seniors who had their season canceled:
Edwards, who also had become a force on the volleyball court for the Bayfield Wolverines in recent years, returned to the tennis court after she was a two-time No. 1 singles player and the state runner-up her freshman season. She placed fourth at No. 1 singles as a sophomore before the injury claimed her junior season.
“Mavis Edwards is a tremendous tennis player with a skillset that Durango only sees once a decade, or less,” said DHS head coach Darren Tarshis. “Mavis was off to a strong start after taking a year off, only dropping two games total in her first three dual matches of her senior season.”
Edwards will attend Northern Arizona University.
Rebecca Bowers was a four-year varsity player for the Demons. She worked her way from No. 4 doubles as a freshman to No. 2 singles her senior year. She twice qualified for state at No. 1 doubles. She will attend Brown University.
“Rebecca Bowers has wonderful technique and is highly skilled from all parts of the court,” Tarshis said. “She showed her skillset in singles this season, winning all three dual matches in straight sets.”
Laura Clark was a three-year varsity doubles player and was poised to play No. 1 doubles for a second consecutive year. The two-time state qualifier at No. 3 and No. 1 doubles will attend Santa Clara University.
“Laura Clark is a fierce competitor and upbeat team leader,” Tarshis said.
Anna Fenberg was ready to be Clark’s No. 1 doubles partner to give the Demons a pair of seniors in the top doubles spot in 2020. She found a place on the varsity as a No. 3 doubles player her junior year and qualified for state. She will attend Brigham Young University.
“Anna Fenberg is a natural athlete and incredibly fun to be around for players and coaches alike,” Tarshis said.
Maddy Gleason became a varsity doubles player as a junior and senior after two years on the junior varsity. The hard worker will attend University Colorado at Boulder in the fall.
“Maddy Gleason is a laid back but dedicated teammate with amazing reflexes at the net,” Tarshis said.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
