Girls varsity tennis poses for photo after LT quad at SC courts on Sept. 16 (photo courtesy of Maddie Rowen ’24).

After a strong start to the season, the girls tennis team hopes to achieve a top three place at conference and have multiple players qualify for state, varsity player Ashley Culin ‘25 said. The girls are happy to be back playing together and helping each other improve.

The varsity team is led by a new coach this year, Clint Buetikofer. Previously, he coached the JV tennis team.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Buetikofer said. “I’m really excited to do it. I think that I, along with coach Hamilton and Swiontek, can help the girls reach their potential.” Addy Pelling ‘25 has been playing on the team since freshman year. This is Pelling’s first year with Buetikofer as a coach. 

“I really enjoy how he pushes us to do our best in every match and he is always there to give support and feedback when needed,” Pelling said. “I love how he has a drive to make sure our team plays well overall and he cares about how each individual does in their match.”

Early results have been encouraging. They have had two dual meets against Neuqua Valley and Benet Academy and also had a quad meet at Crystal Lake where everyone won all of their matches. 

“There is still room for improvement but I think our team has been playing very well and has a drive for success,” Culin said. “We have been doing drills at the beginning of practice and then playing matches towards the end which is helpful because we get to put to use the skills we just practiced.” 

Along with improving their overall standing at the conference meet, the girls also want to bring the team together, and they are centered on each individual match.

“Little things like comments on how well someone plays and complimenting them goes a long way,” Culin said.“Our coach is doing a really great job with making us all feel like we all have an equally important role on the team.”

The girls are hoping to keep up with all of the wins as they are more focused in their matches and during practices this year, Pelling said. 

“I think we’re doing well. People are playing at a high level and are already improving,” he said. “We’re still sorting out the lineup and things like that but I’m very pleased with how we’ve done so far.”

The varsity girls are playing at Hinsdale Central on Friday, Oct. 6. The JV girls are playing next at SC on Friday Sept 29.