Tigers’ Mullings puts together remarkable season

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers boys tennis team has been nothing short of successful this season, finishing the regular season 15-2. Their success being led by senior Josh Mullings who went 17-0 in singles competition this year.  

Heading into the season, head coach Greg Becker saw a mental shift in his senior player.  

“Josh just really found in himself this season and this year to say, ‘I'm not gonna lose.’” Becker said.  

After working on his mental game, Mullings’ presence on the court became dominant. His approach to his game allows him to take control of the match and his opponents. When entering a match against an opponent he has not faced before, he likes to dissect them before going on the attack. 

Part of his strategy is looking at how the opposition will play at the net, how they respond when he pushes their backhand or forehand, all to assess what their strengths and weaknesses are. From there, he takes control and adapts to exploit his opponent's weaknesses.  

“It came with time, I feel like I didn't have the confidence to take control before, I just kind of got the confidence to do my thing, and I'm confident in my game and who I am, and that's definitely helped me,” Mullings said.  

That confidence has led him to an undefeated season. According to Becker, Mullings has always been a coachable player.  

“He listens to every comment and every suggestion I have, but usually when I get to the fence to talk to him, he's already got it figured out and he's telling me what he's going to be doing. So, he's really matured and finally came into his own this year,” he said.  

Becker noted that the rest of the team responds to Mullings; he is not so much a vocal leader as a silent one, leading through his play and approach to the game.  

“They look to his body language, they look to his attitude, they look to his positivity, and they go, ‘All right, Josh is on board so we can be on board too,’” Becker said.  

The Tigers are heading into districts confident that they can go far. Becker hopes to see some of his players join Mullings at the state's tournament later this month. Mullings is confident that the team's chemistry and bond will strengthen their chances in post season play.  

“We didn't expect to have that much success and have a chance at the league championship, but we've had a great group of guys to be around and more than the success, we just appreciate having such a great team. It's such a fun team to be around,” Mullings said.  

    Senior Josh Mullings has put together a remarkable final season by going undefeated in singles competition.
  

    Mullings fires back against his opponent in singles competition. He said he enjoys tennis and representing the Tigers on the court.
  

    Mullings 17-0 singles record has contributed to the Tigers 15-2 overall record this season.