Every year, WHS girls and boys tennis teams participate in a unique tradition—the annual Battle of the Sexes tennis match. This match offers a rare opportunity for the teams to compete directly against one another, unlike any other sports on campus.
Battle of the Sexes has been a WHS tradition for over five years now. This year, it took place March 26.
“Originally, it was something to do with Billie Jean King and how she wanted to prove that girls could play against boys,” said varsity girls team member Dhiya Patel ‘28. ”But WHS does it every year as a tradition.”
Unlike many other schools in Ventura County, WHS has a strong girls tennis team with a season record of 23—05 which allows for a competitive environment between teams and makes for an entertaining match.
“What makes it special is the fact that our girl’s tennis team is always so strong,” said girls and boys tennis head coach Scott Yasgoor in a phone interview. “It creates a very competitive environment for the girls and the boys to compete together. A lot of other schools don’t have that situation, so having a match like this wouldn’t even be worthwhile. But with our program, it’s very competitive, a lot of fun for the kids and, obviously [entails] bragging rights.”
While the boys team is well into their season, with daily practices and matches, the girls team is currently in their off—season. Despite this, the girls still get their practice in.
“Because of the nature of their level, the girls are also out practicing on their own with coaches, clinics and weekend tournaments.” said Yasgoor. “The girls are on their own now, but they [still] all play a lot.”
Although this is a low-pressure game in terms of record, both teams look forward to it.
“At the end of the day, it’s [typically] very competitive just based on the level of each team,” said Yasgoor. “The girls team really looks forward to it. When I sent the text out, they all responded right away.”
With this match being so different from many others that the athletes compete in, it allows for new opportunities for the two teams to collaborate with one another and opens up room for reflecting on the team’s strengths and areas for growth.
“I’m expecting to learn some new things from the girls coach and the boys coach,” said varsity boys player Rishi Sikh ‘28 before the game. “Hopefully, the boys win, but I am expecting the girls to win because our team isn’t as strong as them yet.”
This match allows for both boys and girls teams to expand their knowledge of the sport and their playing abilities while under slight pressure also providing a unique and fun game.
“Just playing in an environment where there is still pressure to win because you know nobody wants to lose,” said Yasgoor. “Pressure is always a privilege, and the more experience they get, the better they’re going to get as players.”
In the end, the boys ultimately won 23—11 after several kids had to switch around.
“We won by a margin of 3 games. [This wasn’t really expected for us because the girls] won CIF, and we’re not doing well in our league.” said boys varsity player Krish Goel ‘28 “It was a good bonding activity; it was good to meet some of the kids on the girls team and get to play with some of the boys team and bond with them.”
