Practices are competitive. The sidelines are loud. Players are invested in one another. And this Loomis Chaffee girls varsity tennis team is making noise: beating Deerfield for the first time in 16 years, topping Choate for the first time in nine years, and defeating Taft for the first time in four years.  

The Pelicans’ record sits at 9-1 with two matches remaining in the regular season. 

“What’s been most exciting about this group isn’t just the results, it’s how they’re earning them,” said head coach Ben Snuffer. “The girls have committed themselves to improving every day, both mentally and physically, and you can see that belief growing with each match. We have a great mix of experienced players and young talent stepping up in big moments, and it really feels like we’re building something sustainable here.” 

A big part of that success has come from a freshman group that arrived ready to compete immediately. Lea Cote, Hadley DeHoff, Kate Lehman, and Julia Nuzum have all made an impact, bringing confidence, toughness, and a spark to the lineup. Cote has quickly established herself as one of the team’s top players, competing at both No. 1 singles 1 and No. 1 doubles alongside fellow freshman DeHoff. Their presence has challenged the entire roster to elevate its level of play. 

At the same time, Loomis has leaned heavily on an experienced junior class that has embraced leadership. Captains Ivy Van Blerkom, Elizabeth Mullany, and Aim Wanglee, along with junior Natalie Ezedine, have helped shape the identity of the team. Whether it is pulling teammates together during matches, setting the tone at practice, or simply creating a positive atmosphere every day, the coaches credit the juniors for building a culture that feels connected and competitive at the same time. 

“This has been an extremely enjoyable and successful season because we all push each other to improve while allowing ourselves to keep matches and practices fun,” Van Blerkom said. “Our coaches help foster a positive environment that allows us to grow individually and as a team through match prep and reminders to stay calm. My teammates constantly encourage me to grow as a player and a leader, always hyping each other up during close matches and reminding each other to keep focused. As a captain, I have had the opportunity to help set the tone for practices and matches, keep focus, and make sure each player feels confident and ready going into a match.” 

There also has been a noticeable shift in the team’s preparation this year. Practices have focused more intentionally on match strategy, mental toughness, communication, and understanding roles within the lineup. Coach Snuffer and supporting coach Sandrine Sebag have emphasized feedback and accountability while also giving players the confidence to trust themselves in pressure moments. 

Sandrine sees that mindset consistently during practices and matches. 

“This team is developing a strong identity rooted in effort, communication, and resilience,” she said. “There is a real willingness to listen, adapt, and push through challenges together. That commitment is building a higher level of competitiveness that is raising the standard across the lineup.” 

Many of the players also train outside of school at the Tennis Academy in Windsor, which has helped raise the overall level of play throughout the lineup.  

Coach Snuffer believes this season represents more than just a stretch of strong results for Loomis. In his view, the team is building the foundation for something the program can continue to grow moving forward.