Aayush Gupta is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Buckeye High School for AZPreps365.com.

Following the 2019-20 season, McClintock boys' tennis coach Karen Crane received shocking news. She had been diagnosed with cancer.

Emotionally shaken and under new leadership, the McClintock rallied to an 8-2 record, falling just short in the 2021 AIA Boys Tennis Division II Team Championship. 

Now with their coach back at their side, the Chargers are looking to make another run.

Following Crane's diagnosis, coach Rick Benton took over and immediately implemented a new culture.

“It was a fun season. My parents made me play high school tennis,” sophomore Jackson Fischer said. “I mainly play local tournaments on my own since I’m homeschooled. But I definitely had the time of my life.”

Benton led the Chargers to their first state championship appearance since the 2016-17 season.

The Chargers are led by their team captain and sole senior Zach Daniels.

“This season I want to leave behind a good legacy for the team,” senior Zach Daniels said. “Not just skill-wise, I want to leave leaders behind that keep the torch ongoing.”

Daniels was runner-up in the double’s competition at the 2021 AIA Boys Tennis Division II Team Championship. Alongside his partner (Fischer), Daniels will look to avenge his devastating loss.

Now in his second season at McClintock, Fischer is looking forward to one specific matchup.

“I’m looking forward to playing Arcadia because we lost to them last year. I think we all played pretty bad that day. I'd like to play there,” Fischer said.

To do that, Fischer and The Chargers will have to get through Higley High School first. 

“Because we haven't seen Higley in a long time, and it is our first match, I don't know what to expect,” Crane said. “I’m expecting good things, this team has practiced really hard and worked well together.”

Following the conclusion of last season, Crane received the news that her cancer treatment was working. With her student’s support, Crane will look to lead the Chargers to another championship appearance.

“I just look at each match as it comes. I know it sounds cliché but, it's not like other sports where you change up your rosters a whole lot,” Crane said. “You have to play them in the order which they are. So, I'm just looking forward to seeing each player grow wherever they start.”

The Chargers will open the 2022-23 season on Feb. 24 against Higley High School at 3 p.m.