Four years ago Mitchell Chavez was just a freshman with the responsibility of holding down the number one singles position for the Ballard Beavers boy's tennis team.

Now that he is a senior, Chavez has three seasons of experience playing against other top KingCo players and he is expecting a good senior season.

"I've been improving and working out, practicing with Brad (Head Coach and tennis professional Brad Hamilton)," said Chavez.

The team will rely on Chavez this year as it has in past years. Nine seniors were been lost to graduation, leaving the Beavers with a young roster.

Chavez says he is used to the pressure of the number one singles position. "I've gotten over the nervousness of it and am used to it," said Chavez.

Up through the Inglemoor match on September 26, Chavez has two wins this season to only one loss.

Chavez has also made the switch from a two handed backhand to a one handed backhand. His serves are noticeably more powerful than when he was a first year player.

"He's coming around. It's a lot of fun to see this year. He is putting in a lot of work on the court, not just in mechanics, but with his head game, being smart about what to do with balls," said Hamilton.

Kevin Baumler and Alex Mathers are the number two and three singles players respectively. Beyond that the talent is fairly young and needs time to develop. Hamilton calls this a rebuilding year.

"He's (Baumler) is doing great. He was the type of guy that was at mid-level last year. He has big shoes to fill," said Hamilton. Baumler has athletic ability and will get better with off season workouts.

Mathers is a second year player and has worked with Hamilton during the summer.

"It paid massive dividends. Technically his game is one of the best except for Chavez. It's more a matter of putting it all together. He is one of the best fighters in tough matches," said Hamilton.

Both the Ballard boys and girl tennis players have spent time on the Ballard High School court during their summer vacation and Hamilton thinks this will make a difference.

Ballard takes on Roosevelt on October 5, Garfield on October 10 and Juanita at Lower Woodland. They have a road match against Bothell on October 12.