The upcoming high school tennis season promises to be filled with excitement as several teams prepare to showcase their talent and potential. With new coaching dynamics, returning stars, and emerging talents, the stage is set for an intense competition. Among the teams making headlines, Century, John Marshall, Mayo, Lourdes, and Schaeffer Academy each bring unique strengths to the court. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches like Ben Maes, Josh Heiden, Jeff Demaray, Steve Tacl, and Brett Pauley, these programs aim not only to excel locally but also to make significant strides in sectional and state competitions. From singles dominance to doubles prowess, each team has its own narrative that will unfold over the coming months.
Century's boys' tennis squad, led by Coach Ben Maes, returns with a strong lineup featuring juniors Karthik Anand and Rowan Johnson along with senior Owen McMaster. The addition of seventh-grader Thor Sviggum adds depth to the Panthers' roster, giving them six players vying for singles positions. Anand, known for his aggressive baseline game and knack for executing challenging shots, leads the charge at No. 1 singles. Meanwhile, Johnson and McMaster occupy the No. 2 and No. 3 slots respectively. Assistant Maurice Westerhouse supports Maes in fostering a team culture centered around hard work and camaraderie. "This year’s group is eager to prove themselves," said Maes, highlighting their potential to surprise opponents after last season’s transitional phase.
John Marshall's Rockets, under Coach Josh Heiden, seek to build upon last year’s accomplishments, which included defeating Owatonna for the first time in over two decades and advancing deep into sectional play. Juniors Arjun Kuharana and Zach Moos anchor the singles lineup while sophomores Braden Duchateau and Brandon Tasson contribute valuable depth. Senior Nate Nigbur provides leadership alongside fellow veteran Ben Hull. A key focus this season will be strengthening the top doubles pairings, essential for securing victories against tougher opponents. According to Heiden, flexibility within the roster allows players to seamlessly transition between singles and doubles roles, enhancing overall team resilience.
Mayo Spartans enter the season poised to remain competitive despite losing standout Tej Bhagra, who opted out of high school tennis to concentrate on national tournaments. Junior Caleb Kennel and senior Noah Wisniewski form a formidable duo atop the singles ranks, supported by experienced doubles specialists David Teng and John Trygstad. Despite Bhagra's absence, Coach Jeff Demaray remains optimistic about maintaining a top-five standing statewide and contending for another section title. "Our younger players have shown remarkable growth," noted Demaray, emphasizing the program's enduring strength through player development.
Lourdes Eagles aim to reclaim their spot among Minnesota's elite Class 1A programs following last year's narrow loss in the section final. Junior Evan Ritter, fresh off a third-place finish at states, headlines the team alongside promising newcomers such as freshmen Joe Palen and Easton Ackley. Returning junior Andy Fink rounds out the core group expected to drive success. Coach Steve Tacl anticipates improved consistency across both singles and doubles rotations, pointing to increased experience gained during previous challenges when full-strength lineups were unavailable. "Depth could distinguish us from others in our section," remarked Tacl, setting ambitious goals for sustained improvement throughout the campaign.
Schaeffer Academy Lions, guided by Coach Brett Pauley, embrace youth as they pursue further advancement in sectional standings. Junior Hudson Zimmerman headlines the roster following his impressive run to fourth place in state doubles last season alongside former teammate Noah Ryder, now playing for Mayo. Other contributors include juniors Braden Phetsarath and Daniel Nord, sophomore Calvin Phillips, and versatile junior Andrew Homme capable of excelling in either singles or doubles formats. Although lacking seniors, the team benefits from robust participation numbers and aims to refine strategic approaches specifically tailored for doubles encounters. "Our emphasis lies in nurturing long-term development while striving to equal or surpass last year’s achievements," stated Pauley confidently.
As the curtain rises on another high school tennis season, anticipation builds surrounding how these teams will perform. Each possesses distinct attributes contributing to their respective quests for glory. Whether through individual brilliance or collective cohesion, every match presents opportunities for growth and triumph. Fans eagerly await witnessing how narratives evolve as players step onto courts determined to leave lasting impressions.