NUTLEY, NJ - .The hard work and attention to detail, as well as well unity building moments have been taken care of-and now the Nutley High School girls tennis program is set to begin the regular season, having already created positive momentum both on and off the court.The Raiders are scheduled to host Shabazz on Friday, September 5.“I am confident our team will have a winning record this season,’’ Nutley head coach Julian Gruttadauria said. "Our goal is to win our Division and I believe we have the play...
NUTLEY, NJ - .The hard work and attention to detail, as well as well unity building moments have been taken care of-and now the Nutley High School girls tennis program is set to begin the regular season, having already created positive momentum both on and off the court.
The Raiders are scheduled to host Shabazz on Friday, September 5.
“I am confident our team will have a winning record this season,’’ Nutley head coach Julian Gruttadauria said. "Our goal is to win our Division and I believe we have the players to get it done. In 2023, we won the Division and last year we fell just short. We are looking to win our Division, make a run in States and perform our best at the Essex County Tournament.’’
Key returning student athletes to the varsity lineup for the Raiders include Viha Kothakonda (senior), Lara Hindistan (senior), Mae Ziek (senior) and Alexis Rodriguez (junior).
“Viha and Alexis will be our top singles players this year and Lara and Mae have been our top doubles pair,’’ Gruttadauria said. “They look to continue being an integral piece for the team in their fourth year of varsity doubles.''
The Raiders are fortunate to have a large roster of tennis players this year.
“We have had nearly 30 girls join this year and as we determine our lineup, we have a lot of competition and promising young talent,’’ Gruttadauria said. “I’d love to include a list of all of our new players as I see a lot of potential, but I’ll include four. We have two seniors, Catalina Narvaez and Enessa Reyimbayeva as well as two freshmen Joraine Dela Cruz and Bianca Loria that I’m excited about this year.’’
Strong leadership is a key factor in favor of the Raiders this fall.
“My captains this season are Mae Ziek, Lara Hindistan and Viha Kothakonda,’’ Gruttadauria said. “I expect their leadership and maturity to help us on and off the court. My seniors are the heart of our team, and they are a big part of our success. Isabella Fernandez (senior), Eva Ilardi (senior), Jeslyn Paulino (senior) and Alexa Anselmi (senior) are my students that help keep this team enjoying the game of tennis. I couldn’t do it without them.’’
Nutley collected four overall victories with a 1-1 record in the Super Essex Conference (SEC) Liberty Division in 2024.
“Every October, Nutley tennis has an annual charity event where all proceeds go towards Breast Cancer research,’’ Gruttadauria said. “Any community involvement is greatly appreciated. Last year was the first year our boys' team helped as well, and it was by far our best year yet.’’