Hard work pays off.
That classic sports mantra fits the Kennebunk/Wells boys tennis team performance this season perfectly. Especially for sophomore Declan Archer, who has been selected as the Journal Tribune’s Boys Tennis MVP for the 2018 campaign.
The Kennebunk/Wells tennis team made a major leap from just a season ago. Archer believed it was just because the team came together. The sophomore is proud of being named MVP, but appreciates the team’s improvement much more than his personal success.
“I had a great season, but more importantly the team improved. Going from a team that was 2-10 and went 11-3 including playoffs. We totally turned it around,” said Archer.

Kennebunk/Wells’ Declan Archer competes during MPA singles tennis tournament last year.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald

To make such a big jump takes a lot of time and effort in the offseason. Archer adopted that work ethic early and it is paying off.
“I stuck to a strict schedule in the offseason to get ready for the high school season,” said Archer.
The biggest areas Archer worked on were his hitting and footwork. All that came with repetition and he saw the results in his play during the season. That big improvement for Archer and his team made them really bond over the season.
“It made it a fun environment like riding home, practices, and matches. This year has been awesome — to see all the guys grow and mesh as a team,” said Archer.
That growth that happened this year will play a pivotal role in the Rams’ success next year. They are losing several key members, but Kennebunk/Wells is lucky that Archer has two more years and some more talent is moving up to the varsity level.
“We have a lot of depth behind those guys. The guys that are playing JV will come in and fill those spots. We will be just as competitive next year,” said Archer.
After reflecting on the whole season, Archer is humbled by the opportunity to be named MVP, but is not settling. With two seasons left, he sees room to grow.
“It is nice to see all the hard work pay off,” said Archer. “This year I felt like I could have done better and there’s still a lot of work to do.”
— Sports Writer Brandon Eckles can be reached at beckles@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.