The William Floyd girls’ varsity tennis team entered the 2024 season with high hopes and lofty expectations. Ten matches in, they have not only met those expectations but exceeded them, delivering one of the most dominant starts in program history. To put it simply, this team is perfect.
Led by veteran head coach Dave Pia, a two-time United States Tennis Association Coach of the Year and William Floyd High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, the Colonials are a perfect 10-0. Along the way, they have overwhelmed their opponents by a combined score of 55-15. With just five matches left in the regular season, this group is looking more solid than ever, with the potential to make this year truly historic.
Excellence is nothing new for William Floyd tennis. The team has qualified for the postseason an impressive 22 straight years, but maintaining an undefeated record deep into the season is an achievement that stands out even among their tradition of success. Last fall, the Colonials finished as a top four seed in Section XI with a 15-3 overall record before advancing to the playoff semifinals.
This year’s roster faced challenges after losing five seniors to graduation, but the return of several standout players has provided a strong foundation. Key contributors include junior Anabel Van Cott, junior Lydia Van Cott (2024 All-County), senior Khloe DiMaio, junior Gianna Martin (2024 All-County), senior captain Corinne Neidig (2024 All-League), junior Tatiana Sanchez (2024 All-Division), and junior Rylie Wiegand (2024 All-League).
They are joined by a promising group of first-year varsity players: freshman Ava Asendorf, junior Genesis Canas, junior Katelynn DeLuca, junior Alexandria Dorost, sophomore Emma Drees, sophomore Emma Hodgson, freshman Gabriella Montalbano, and junior Karin Da Gama Paes. Together, this mix of experience and new talent has created the perfect recipe for success.