The Special Olympics tennis season ended last Saturday, with 18 athletes and several coaches practicing at the Tennis Club of Santa Barbara.
The athletes and coaches came together for a three-hour practice full of drills, games, dances and tournament play across four courts.
With it being the final practice of the season, the team presented awards for sportsmanship, most improved players and the coach’s award.
Jesse Nave and Amy Petersons took home the sportsmanship awards while Chris Evans and Ted Rudolph earned the coach’s awards.
“We closed with coaches and athletes sharing emotional stories, as we thought about all of our years together,” Special Olympics coach Liz Frech said. “Through the years, we bonded as a family, embracing life’s lessons, meeting each other’s relatives, and eating out together.
“This is farewell from the sport but not farewell from each other. Thanks for the memories, athletes and coaches!”