New leader Jesse Apodaca has big plans for Ceres High’s girls tennis program.

The Bulldogs have had four different head coaches since 2018, including Apodoca, Vince Vega, Michelle Casey and Brandon Moring.

Apodaca doesn’t expect to lead Ceres High to new heights during his first year at the helm.

“I’m not expecting a miracle,” he said. “It’s going to take time to build a successful program. I think it’s attainable. I’m treating it like a five-year plan.”

Ceres High has a roster size of 16 players.

Alyson Brumbaugh (Sr.) and Nerisha Singh (Sr.) suited up for Ceres High’s last team, which was fielded in 2023.

“They played for the team before,” Apodaca said. “They work hard on the court. They’ve organically become team leaders.”

Tatiana Alvarado (Sr.), Natalie Franco (Sr.), Dania Gallo Padilla (Sr.), Carmen Medina (Sr.), Martina Meglioli (Sr.), Mia Miller (Sr.), Aileen Rocha (Sr.), Laura Reyes (Jr.), Xaimara Corona Medina (So.), Denisse Gonzalez (So.), Kassandra Hernandez (So.), Cazandra Fregoso (Fr.), Xochiti Ofelia Gonzalez Hernandez (Fr.) and Tatiana Zamora (Fr.) are newcomers.

“They’re very athletic,” Apodaca said. “They’re hard workers. But a lot of the girls have never played before. They’re very inexperienced.”

The Bulldogs’ starting lineup features Brumbaugh, Meglioli, Singh, Zamora, Hernandez, Gallo Padilla, Fregoso, Ofelia Gonzalez Hernandez, Medina, Rocha, Gonzalez and Corona Mejia.

Brumbaugh, Meglioli, Singh, Zamora, Hernandez and Gallo Padilla will log playing time at No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 singles, respectively.

Fregoso and Ofelia Gonzalez Hernandez will log playing time at No. 1 doubles.

Medina and Rocha will log playing time at No. 2 doubles.

Gonzalez and Corona Mejia will long playing time at No. 3 doubles.

“I want to use the first half of the season as a feeling out process,” Apodaca said. “It’s going to take them time to get comfortable in a tennis environment.”

Ceres High will play home and away matches against Central Valley, Grace Davis, Pacheco, Beyer, Livingston, Johansen and Lathrop during the Western Athletic Conference regular season.

Crosstown-rival Central Valley (12-0) claimed the 2024 WAC title.

Livingston (8-4) and Pacheco (8-4) tied for second.

Beyer (7-5), Grace Davis (5-7), Johansen (2-10) and Lathrop (0-12) placed third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. 

The Bulldogs didn’t field a team a year ago due to a lack of interest.

Ceres High compiled a 2-12 record en route to a seventh-place finish in league play under Vega’s guidance during its last season of competition in 2023.

Casey and Moring led the Bulldogs to the playoffs in 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Moring’s team took second in the WAC with an 11-3 record. 

Casey’s squad took third in the conference standings with a 9-5 mark.

“I’d consider a .500 record a successful season, especially for not having a team last year,” Apodaca said. 

Ceres High is looking forward to playing against Central Valley.

“The seniors have talked about the crosstown rivalry,” Apodaca said. 

Apodaca was hired as a walk-on coach by Bulldogs’ Athletic Director John Bussard.

“I applied for the position and got a call back,” said Apodaca, a Ceres resident and 1987 graduate of Live Oaks High School. “Luckily, the athletic director gives me the freedom to run the program how I want it to be ran. I want it to be a disciplined program. For me, it’s all about work ethic. That’s what I look for first.” 

Tennis has been a part of Apodaca’s life for over two decades.

“I was an assistant coach for the Modesto Junior College women’s team for seven years,” he said. “I’ve played in USTA (United States Tennis Association) leagues and tournaments for close to 15 years. I’ve played for over 20 years. I know what it takes to be successful.”

“People think tennis is an easy sport,” Apodaca added. “It’s one of the most challenging sports from a physical and mental standpoint.”

Apodaca will double as the Ceres High boys tennis program’s head coach during the springtime.