The Cinnaminson High School boys’ tennis team is looking to continue its upward trajectory this season, building on last season’s 12-7 record. With a strong 8-3 start to the 2025 campaign, the team is led by Head Coach Mike Fries and boasts top players junior Davi De Brito Melo and senior Drew Harvey.
Coach Fries is optimistic about the team’s prospects, highlighting the dedication of its members.
“The strengths have been the team’s work ethic – putting in the extra time after practice to get better,” Fries said. “Drew Harvey at first singles and Davi De Brito Melo at second singles are playing against the other teams’ best players every match and are playing very well to start the season.”
The team’s performance thus far has been impressive, having started the season undefeated for eight matches until their three most recent losses against Moorestown Friends, Northern Burlington, and Florence. The Pirates are looking to bounce back in their upcoming match against Haddon Heights.
“Yeah, it’s the best start we’ve had at 8-0 in the last couple of years,” Assistant Coach Paddy McNamara said. “We want to play in a playoff match or get into the playoffs like the last three years.”
Despite the team’s recent losses, Fries is optimistic the team will recover and continue to improve.
“We are playing well and look to win 16+ matches this season,” Fries said. “We are confident and getting better every day.”
Senior standout Drew Harvey, who picked up tennis in his sophomore year, has quickly become a crucial part of the team’s success.
“I just took it as an opportunity to learn from our first and second singles who have been playing longer than I have because they knew more about the game than I did,” Harvey said of his start.
He identified the mental aspect of the game as a challenge he struggled with early on.
“One of my biggest challenges was definitely the mental side of the game,” Harvey said. “I’d find myself getting really frustrated when things didn’t go my way, but I’ve learned to stay composed throughout the whole match.”
Harvey said he believes his strengths are in certain areas of his game.
“I think my serves and volleys are the best part of my game,” Harvey said.
His playing style relies on his consistency and proper technique.
“Just staying consistent in practice and really working on form rather than trying to kill the ball in some situations or showing off,” Harvey said.
As he approaches the end of his high school tennis career, Harvey is optimistic about the team’s potential this season.
“I think the team looks great so far, we’re off to a solid start, and I hope to keep things going the rest of the year,” Harvey said.
Fries also has an eye on the future, acknowledging the upcoming graduation of key players.
“We will lose Drew Harvey at first singles, but I know Davi (De Brito Melo) will be up for the competition,” Fries said. “We will return a lot of players fighting for varsity time.”
He also praised the younger players’ resilience.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the frosh,” Fries said. “James lost the first set to Delran and won the next two sets, same with Michael Crandall and Nate Calhoun.”
Looking ahead, Fries mentioned some key matchups the Pirates will face in the coming weeks.
“The BCSL on May 19th at Veterans Park in Hamilton and a rematch of our 3-2 win over Palmyra on May 2nd at home” are circled on the calendar.
The boys’ tennis team’s next match is Wednesday, April 30 at Haddon Heights at 4 p.m.
