When one hears the history of the Pequea Valley boys' tennis program since 2022, one might wonder how Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) fields a tennis team at all. However, quite the opposite is true.

Due to construction at the school, the PVHS tennis team has not had home courts for practice or to host games on since 2022, when the current senior players were freshmen. Instead, the team practices mostly at the Paradise Park courts and at the courts at the park in Gap.

"At the beginning of the last season, we had five juniors," noted coach Lela Fredricks.

"(The boys) recruited their friends (to join the team)," added Lori Winey, Pequea Valley Boys Tennis Boosters member.

With all that working against the 13 team members, the team finished the 2025 season with a 13-1 record, making it to the semifinals in league playoffs. Both singles and doubles players advanced to District 3. At print time, the team had won its first district match against Berks Catholic High School.

"Having only two courts has not stopped them from loving the sport," Fredricks said. "Tennis is a mental sport, and only having two courts, they could have thought they would (not have a good season), but tennis is all about how your thoughts impact your actions."

"It's not recommended that a team play on only two courts, but they have survived and thrived," stated Winey.

To help fund costs associated with travel and gear for the team, the booster club has organized a pickleball tournament fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, beginning at 7:30 a.m. in Salisbury Township Community Park, commonly known as Gap Park, 750 White Horse Road, Gap. The tournament will be for doubles only, and there is a cost to take part. Area residents who wish to play in the tournament are encouraged to register by Tuesday, May 27, by calling 717-875-3048. More information may be found on the home page at https://pvhs.pequeavalley.org.

Winey said the idea of a pickleball fundraiser had been discussed for some time. "When we got talking about it, I asked the coach, 'Can we do it?'" recalled Winey, who said that team member Nolan Stoltzfus and his father, Darryl, who have competed in pickleball events, stepped up immediately and offered to run the tournament. PVHS tennis team members will help to facilitate the tournament, and some may play if they are needed. Winey added that pickleball is popular with senior citizens. "Darryl was thinking there are a lot of avid players that will come out," she reported. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and pingpong. It is played on a court the same size as a badminton court with a modified tennis net. Equipment includes a paddle and a plastic ball with holes in it.

The PV Boys Tennis Booster Club has been providing meals and lunches for team members as they travel to away games. They also purchased windbreakers for the boys to wear during this windy tennis season. "We had to outfit them, and we wanted them to be uniform," reported Winey. "We didn't have a home court advantage." In addition, the team will lose seven seniors to graduation this spring. "We don't want to leave the team with the funds depleted," explained Winey. "They will need windbreakers and food. We like to keep them hydrated because sometimes matches go very long." Fredricks added that she does not expect the team to have home courts until fall of 2026 at the earliest.

As the boosters look to build funds for future teams, Fredricks would like to see younger boys come out for tennis in the next year. She hopes the news about this year's success will appeal to underclassmen. Calling the team "amazing," Fredricks shared that outlook has been as important as chalking up wins. "(The team) has had such a phenomenal year," she shared. "Their attitude has been more impressive than their 13-1 record."

Assistant coach Jason Graybill agreed, noting that the team members are willing to take part in any fundraiser that is suggested. "It's something to say about the guys that they want to do fundraising," he stated. "You don't have to twist their arms because they want to support (the team)."

Looking ahead, Winey said the team members hope to leave a legacy for future teams. "They really want to see the next generation," she said. "That's their heart."