TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES
Loveland Red Wolves Coaches: Heidi Abrahamson (10th season) and Jeff Abrahamson (6th season)
Last season: 4-6
Returning state qualifiers: Kennedy Layne (Sr.) and Emily Rivera (Jr.)
Others to watch: Libby Blanks (Sr.), Sydney Knapp (Sr.), Allyssa Hughes (Sr.), Madilyn Eslinger (Sr.)
Coaches’ outlook: “The Loveland girls tennis team is super excited about the upcoming season. With a storied history of regional and state champions at the 4A level, (we) will be coaching the team at 5A for the second season. Last year was challenging for sure, and now with a year under their belts, the coaches feel better prepared for the challenges that 5A competition brings. With returning 5A state qualifiers Kennedy and Rivera, a solid leadership core with six returning seniors along with a super dynamic junior class, we feel positive about the possibility of taking more players to state this year. At the same time, they realize that winning or taking girls to state isn’t really what matters most. What matters even more is attitude and effort. And what goes along with that team standard is a positive team vibe where girls are working towards the same team goals, working hard to improve their games and having fun. So, while it would be great to take as many players to state as possible, the journey is more important than the destination.”
Mountain View Mountain
Lions
Head coach: Preston Waters (first season)
Last season: 3-9
Returning state qualifiers: Rebecca Napolitano (So.)
Others to watch: Maya Henke (Jr.), Josie Taylor (Sr.), Ray Johnson (Jr.), Eva Diaz 11th (Jr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking at an incredible season with depth on both sides! With returning state qualifier Rebecca, we have Maya, a foreign exchange student from Germany with 10 years of tennis under her belt and an eagerness to be challenged with each and every new match! Maya is followed by our senior and returning varsity player Josie, who now has four years on the MVHS team operating under an amazing experience and appreciation for her time with the team; she hopes to be a positive influence on the incoming freshman and a motivator as a leader. With returning
doubles players Eva, Ray, Ryleigh Savage and Paityn Nichols, and a handful of new players, our depth of skill/talent speaks to a very successful season for both singles and doubles players.”
Berthoud Spartans Head coach: Hanna Growmorales (fifth season)
Last season: 5-3 in league, 6-5 overall
Returning state qualifiers: Justine Jaros (Jr.), Phoebe Jones (Sr.), Hayley Jones (Jr.)
Others to watch: Megan Malherbe (Sr.), Addison Kapaun (Jr.)
Coach’s outlook: “As we graduated six varsity girls last year, we are focusing on building a fun team with new players. We’ve had so many new players come out at the start of our season and they’re eager to learn how to play! We do have five returning varsity players, which is awesome, and they are all looking to play higher lines than last year.
Our coaching staff is very excited to welcome all the new players to our tennis family and continue working on the fundamentals of the game.”
Resurrection Christian Cougars
Head coach: Jane Burke (second season)
Last season: 5-3
Returning state qualifiers: Isabella Prohs (Jr.), Sophia Jackson (Sr.), Chloe-jo Lincoln (Jr)
Others to watch: Ryann Siffring (Fr.), Jordan Taylor (Jr.), Ryleigh Smith (Sr.), Bentley Steyaert (Jr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We’re thrilled to welcome back Isabella Prohs, last year’s state qualifier at 1singles, adding depth and experience to our tennis team this season. Leading the charge are seniors Ryleigh Smith and Sophia Jackson, whose dedication has been instrumental in preparing the team for success. Joining them are a talented group of juniors, including Jordan Taylor and Lysette Baez, who played 2 doubles last year, along with Chloejo Lincoln, a returning state qualifier in 1doubles. Bentley Steyaert, a junior who played 3doubles last season, is back and ready to compete. Excitement buzzes around the addition of freshman Ryann Siffring, eager to showcase her skills on the court. With a mix of returning players and newcomers, our team is primed for victory. Get ready for a season filled with thrilling matches and impressive performances!”