The Class 6A boys tennis field, as usual, was deep and talented this past season. Any given match is a grueling, challenging task. Copper Hills’ tennis players experienced this very thing this past season. Not only was Region 2 competitive, but the foes at the state tournament posted formidable tests. 

The Grizzlies may not have contended for the state title, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have standout performances this past season. 

Copper Hills placed 16th out of 18 teams at the state tournament, held May 15 and 17 at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. Still, the Grizzlies represented at the tournament in four of the five positions, including at second doubles where the tandem of Spencer Smith and Myles Masuisui were solid all year. 

Smith was happy with the season and how he played. He and Masuisui took first in region in second doubles. Head coach Eddie Moura counted on the duo all season for strong play and leadership. He had good things to say about their postseason efforts. 

“They had a great season,” Moura said. “They performed well at state after winning the region tournament.” 

Smith said he enjoyed his teammates and appreciated the coaching he got this season. 

“This season was a lot of fun,” he said. “My performance was so much better than when I first started playing. I was able to work with my team and coach to improve my skills as a player and as a person. Some of my biggest accomplishments was placing first in our region, playing as first varsity and second varsity and making it to the second round of state.” 

In the second round of the 6A state tournament, the duo faced a tough test against a seventh-seeded pair from Weber. Coming in as the 10th seed, Smith and Masuisui won game one against the foes from Weber, 7-6 but then fell in sets two and three 6-1, 7-5, ending their season. 

Despite the loss, Smith didn’t hang his head. He maintains a positive mindset. He especially enjoyed playing alongside Masuisui. The duo pushed each other all season to be at their best. Even when times were tough, the pair gave it their all and stayed optimistic. 

“I loved playing with Myles,” Smith said. “Me and him both love to win. We were very encouraging to each other and knew our strengths and weaknesses well. Myles taught me the  importance of hard work and to continue to push even though it might be an uphill battle.” 

A senior, Smith served as one of the team’s four captains along with Masuisui, Jaron Hiller and Brigham Burton. One of the reasons Moura chose him as a captain was because of his leadership. Smith was also a hard worker and an encouraging teammate. 

“One of my strengths as a player and a teammate is to continually work hard,” Smith said. “Putting in effort to improve each day and encouraging my teammates and getting encouraged by them made all the difference during the season.”

Now that he has graduated, Smith is moving onto the next phase in life. He will soon head to Cote D’Ivoire to serve a volunteer mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Smith also appreciates the people who have made a difference in his life, both in his tennis career and as a student. 

“My mentors also impacted me during the season and through my life,” he said. “My dad has taught me the importance of hard work and effort. My coach has taught me how to be a better player, teammate and person. [Masuisui] is a good example to me of always trying your best.” λ