RB family still going strong on the court
In the family of Rancho Bernardo High senior Carissa Bernhardt, all four children have first names beginning with “C” — and tennis fits them all to a “T.”
Older brothers Cameron and Chris preceded Carissa in the traditionally strong Broncos tennis program, and now Carissa is in her fourth varsity season and third as team captain. Sister Christianne is three years away from becoming a Bronco.
While her brothers tried other sports in their youth, Carissa has stayed with tennis from her start in tournament play at age 7.
“You’re moving, hitting a moving ball,” Carissa said. “It’s difficult and challenging, and I like that. Also, I like that it’s one-on-one, but at the same time, I like being part of a team.”
Chris and Carissa have each played on two San Diego Section doubles championship teams, alternating from Chris’ junior season in the spring and then Carissa’s freshman campaign in the fall. Yet Carissa claims an edge in sibling bragging rights.
“I tell him, ‘Hey, I did it when I was younger than you were,’ ” said Carissa, who teamed with Wakana Tanaka and then Ashley Chao in winning respective titles.
The brothers can take some credit for Carissa’s game along with her mother and coach, Carolyn, and teaching pro Lee Merry, also Christianne’s godfather.
“Getting to play with my brothers growing up definitely helped,” Carissa said. “We’d just rally and do drills. Obviously playing with boys, older boys, is difficult.”
Along with her doubles title as a sophomore, Carissa helped the Broncos reach the Division I section final. A year ago, they were ousted in the Open Division quarterfinals by eventual finalist La Jolla Country Day.
“Carissa has been great for me for four years, not just as a player but an absolute team leader,” said Rancho Bernardo girls and boys tennis coach Mike Parrinello. “It’s been that way with all three of the Bernhardt kids. They are just born team leaders, and everyone’s game around them elevates.”
The Broncos, off to a 6-0 start for the first three weeks this season, are looking to curtail a 25-year section title reign by Torrey Pines.
Freshman Julia Haynes has assumed the top singles spot while classmates Anjni Agarwal and Angela Liu have taken turns in the singles lineup. In doubles, Rancho Bernardo counts on the team of junior Carolyn Brooner and senior Erin Enriquez, who reached the section semifinals last season.
Carissa Bernhardt opted for singles in the section individual tournament last year. As the 20th seed, the 5-foot-6 left-hander reached the quarterfinals.
“For girls, ground strokes are very important, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve incorporated coming into the net more,” Carissa said. “Also, I feel better in understanding how to construct points and what to do in certain situations.”
Carissa plans to major in interior design at San Diego State and bypass intercollegiate competition while playing on a club level.
As for singles or doubles in her high school farewell, Carissa notes she’s leaning toward singles but hasn’t ruled out doubles. No girl has ever won three section doubles titles.
“I’m playing more singles this season,” Carissa said, “But doubles can be more fun with less pressure.”
Either way, of course, tennis fits her to a “T.”