Although the school is almost finished, there is a distinctly empty space in the back parking lot where so-called Lake Liberty formed last year. The area was originally set aside for tennis courts, but as the season comes to a close, the mens tennis team still travels to Tibbetts Field in Issaquah every sunny day or practices in the gym when it rains.

“Having no tennis courts at Liberty means that we don’t get enough practice,” senior captain Matthew Cao said.
Despite the lack of courts, the team is optimistic about its prospects. Last year in 3A, the team was overwhelmed by the strength of other Kingco teams, but held their own with a 3-3 record.

During the season, the team still plays 4A and 3A teams, so its record of 2-4 this season does not reflect its expected success in 2A. Junior Marek Pierepiekarz is expected to compete in singles at the state level.

Even though tennis is a highly individual sport, Liberty’s men practice and compete in a supportive atmosphere that values the success of the team as a whole over the success of individuals.

“I think we’re different from other schools in that all of us are really good friends,” senior Ben Tran said.  “Other schools are really strict, but our environment encourages everyone to be relaxed.”