Anna Malkin takes over as head coach of the Newtown High School boys’ tennis team and will lead a squad that brings plenty of enthusiasm to the court.

“We had a great amount of interest in tennis this year, and a bunch of experienced freshman and sophomores who bring a lot of talent to our team. I have high expectations for all the boys this year, and I’m optimistic that we will have a very successful season,” Malkin said. “Really strong freshman and sophomores. Our doubles lineup is going to be very competitive this year with so many strong players. We’ve got a lot of good team players with a great overall positive attitude. Everyone is optimistic and looking forward to getting started this season.”

Newtown went 6-5 last year and lost Jackson Dooley and Constantine Vogiatzis to graduation.

This year’s captains are seniors Ben Futterman and Nihar Soman, along with junior Stephen Dooley.

Freshman Sam Cannizzo will be in a top singles spot. Futterman and Soman, along with junior Stephen Dooley round out the singles lineup.

Juniors Luke Sposato and Rohan Mansukhani return to play doubles together again. Sophomore Jacob Shuman and freshman Joshua Parsons will start the season as a doubles tandem as well. Newtown’s third doubles team was being sorted out in preseason with plenty of competition among the prospects.

Defending South-West Conference champion Joel Barlow of Redding and runner-up Weston are expected to be the top teams the Nighthawks will contend with as the season unfolds. Newtown will start the season with a tough one as Barlow visits Tuesday, April 2, at 3:45 pm.

“I’m really looking forward to this season. This is my first year coaching, and I’ve got a great group of boys to work with this year. We’ve got a young team that plays like a veteran team,” said Malkin, a new French teacher at Newtown Middle School.

Malkin grew up in New Milford, where she took tennis lessons and competed in each of her four years at New Milford High. “Ever since, I have taught lessons on and off and still play for the fun of the game,” she said.