The LT girls tennis team is swinging into the season with big goals and plans to overcome challenges after advancing to Sectionals in 2024. With new players and a good attitude, the team hopes to start the season strong.

The goals for the season are to finish in the top three in Conference and to qualify players for state, Varsity Coach Clint Buetikofer said. 

“We’ve been on the cusp of making it to state the last few years, and one of our goals is to make it over that hump this year,” Buetikofer said. “We are in a tough conference and sectional, but we have got a lot of talent on this year’s team and are hopeful to compete at a high level.”

A challenge this season will be to defeat some of the competitive teams in our division, Varsity player Grace Liston ‘26 said. This season, the team is focused on using new strategies and learning new skills, as well as creating strong bonds.

“This year and the last few years, we’ve had a great group of girls in the tennis program who work hard, support each other, and have fun,” Buetikofer said. “I have really enjoyed working with them.”

Junior varsity has two new coaches this year since the last coach retired; they bring new strategies and knowledge to the team, JV 1 player Laken Wolf ‘26 said.

“Our biggest challenge might just be staying focused in practice so we can improve there,” Wolf said. “We all get along really well and joke around a lot, so it is important for us to stay hardworking. I have made some of the best memories on this team throughout my years at LT, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for one last year as a senior.”

Varsity’s next home game is Sept. 25 against Oak Park River Forest from 4:30 to 6:30 at the SC tennis courts. JV 1’s next home game is Sept. 24 at 4:30 against Naperville North High School also at SC.

“A fun moment from past seasons and this season is our themed practices on Fridays,” Liston said. “We dress according to the football game themes. I am grateful to get to have fun with my team while playing the sport I love. We really strive to make our team bonded, which is going to help us as we continue on with the season.”