Parker Silverman stared across the net at one of the top players in his age group in the entire country. Dressed in Justin-Siena’s blue and red garb, Michael Guzman bounded back and forth while Silverman readied for the match point. Guzman, a UCLA commit, for the first time in his MCAL career was defeated by Silverman in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
In 2010 at age 15, Guzman was once the number 23 recruit in the nation, according to Tennis Recruiting Network. Since then, he went on to win MCAL player of the year twice, and had never lost in straight sets, until April 17. On top of his memorable battle against Guzman, Silverman has led the team to a record-breaking season, during which they were undefeated in MCAL, and also had a perfect regular season record. For these reasons, Silverman has been selected as a Sports Spotlight.
As the number one seed on a varsity tennis team with a 27-1 record, Silverman has asserted his dominance on the court this season. The match against Guzman was the highlight of the season, according to boys’ varsity tennis head coach Paul Markowitz.
“He just played a flawless match,” Markowitz said. “It really had far more to do with him beating Michael than it did with Michael losing.”
Over the years, Silverman has emerged as a leader for the team.
“He’s really been a great leader, he’s really good with our younger players.” Markowitz said.
According to Silverman, the younger teammates on the team have motivated him to strive for excellence on the court. The arrival of freshmen Cengiz Asku and Dominic Barretto have been a crucial part of their nearly undefeated season.
“The younger kids go out there and try their hardest,” Silverman said. “I’m going to try my hardest too.”
Silverman is also known for his eccentric personality off the court, which adds to his playing ability, according to Markowitz.
“Parker’s insane, but he’s great,” Markowitz said. “He brings so much to this team in terms of his energy. Some guys at times can think he’s a little over the top, that’s not how I see it – I think that you need someone who’s out there keeping the guys loose.”
Silverman believes that his personality helps him improve his on court abilities.
“I never take anything too seriously,” Silverman said. “I’m not going to kill myself over one bad match and I’m not going to be too over-excited over one good match.”
Over the years, Silverman has developed a style that has helped him defeat players like Guzman.
“[Parker] hits a really heavy ball. He has a really enormous serve. But he also has the ability to construct points.” Markowitz said.
According to Markowitz, Silverman has matured as a player over the years.
“He’s developed a certain calmness on the court, or a greater level of confidence than he had back when he was a freshman and a sophomore,” Markowitz said.
The varsity boys’ tennis team’s season came to an end when they lost to the number one seed, Miramonte High School, in the semi-finals of NCS. They ended the season with a 27-1 record.
