Whoosh! The tennis ball flies over the net as Kaia Maki serves the ball, scoring a point. This year’s junior high tennis team is a growing program with lots of skill and ability. The team is hoping to improve upon some areas, but overall, the team is happy with the way the season has gone.

Junior high teams usually consist of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. This year there is only one sixth grader (Jazlyn Flom), and one eighth grader (Kaia Maki). The number of seventh graders participating in tennis rose in numbers compared to last year. During the previous season there was only one seventh grader, but this season there are six seventh graders, including Lyla Falla, Addison Fox, Larissa Fredin, Aubrey Lee, Grace Otterness, and Kinley Sheller. Sheller is the only to return from the 2023 season. The junior high team is coached by Lindsay Reid and Claire Dicke. 

For junior high, the season started August 19th. The girls worked relentlessly each weekday for an hour and a half, preparing for their first match of the season. “Junior high tennis practice includes warm ups and stretching, followed by drills that have been tailored to areas where each player needs improvement and to help players reach their personal and team goals. We incorporate fun games into our practices that are designed to promote teamwork and team building. We always strive to encourage collaboration and create a positive, supportive atmosphere,” says coach Lindsay Reid. Some of the skills worked on in practice include forehands, backhands, serving, and volleys. “My favorite part of practice is the sprinting and the warm ups we do at the start of practice,” says Grace Otterness.

The junior high team has had meets in multiple locations such as Le Sueur, Northfield, and Cannon Falls this year. Lyla Falla comments, “I’m better at playing at home because the courts make me more comfortable.” The girls record is currently 1 win, 5 losses, and 3 ties.

The junior high team just recently had a terrific win against Northfield, and have high expectations for next season. For next year, the team wants to focus on sharpening their skills, and working with their techniques such as serves, volleys, footwork, and more. One big focus will be to increase their match wins. Reid says, “It was an incredible opportunity to see the players grow and develop, not just in terms of their tennis skills, but also in their confidence and teamwork.

This tennis season has been a season of growth, not only concerning the team’s tennis playing ability, but also with their confidence, resilience, and teamwork. This year’s team has lots of skill and potential and will continue to grow as a team.The girls have created bonds and learned the importance of supporting each other. Being a part of the tennis team is more than just playing the sport, it offers the chance to be a part of a group. Reid says, “Whether you’ve played tennis before or it’s completely new to you, this is a place where you can learn, grow, and have fun while building lifelong skills and friendships.”