After losing a talented senior class from a year ago, including seven state qualifiers, the Thompson Valley girls tennis team has reloaded for what hopes to be another successful season.
The Eagles still return a trio of players who competed in the Class 4A individual state tournament last season and feature a strong contingent of athletes with the potential to fill those voids and who were also able to learn from last year’s graduating class.
“We were so fortunate with that group,” Thompson Valley head coach Jay Klagge said. “They knew how to win. They knew how to lead and just absolutely got everybody to fall in love with tennis. So, we’ve got a good, motivated group coming back and we’re going to compete. We know how to work and we know what’s required. And we expect to get a lot better like we did last year.”
“We have the mentality coming in again this year that what we are in February is going to be a little different than what we are in May, and hopefully our hard work and the joy and happiness that those seniors left behind translates into good productive practices all year long.”
Returning after making the state tournament last season are sophomore Ainsley Cronin, junior Maddie Wilcken and senior Gennevieve White. Cronin played 2 doubles with graduated senior Avery Gibbs while Wilcken and White made up the Eagles’ 4 doubles line.
Cronin and Gibbs won their first-round match at state before losing in the second round. They won their way back to the third-place match but lost it. Wilcken and White also won their first-round match and lost in the second round. Their season ended in the playback semis.
Having that experience of just qualifying and playing at state will be an asset to the returners.
“It was a great experience,” Wilcken said. “Just being able to go play and compete with my partner was amazing and a great opportunity.”
Wilcken was back on the court this week only a couple of days after competing at the state wrestling tournament in Denver. Her partner from last year, White, is still playing basketball for the Eagles.
While Klagge is counting on his experienced returners, he also sees promise in several of his younger players. One he was quick to mention is sophomore Meghan Clingan, who spent most of last year as the top singles player on the JV.
Clingan is looking forward to her opportunities this season after putting in a lot of time in the offseason improving her game following her freshman year.
“I think the experience was really great,” she said. “It was so welcoming. All the coaches are like, oh, even though you haven’t played tennis before, you can learn how do it and really well. We lost a bunch of seniors, but they were all welcoming. They gave us freshmen help with skills and stuff.”
Other players Klagge hopes will be major contributors this season include sophomore Penny Gilbert, another member of the team who is still playing basketball; sophomore Payton Reichelderfer; junior Gabi Gil; sophomore Madi Evig; and junior Ava Schuh.
There are only a couple of seniors on this year’s roster, so the squad is young.
“We’ve got a couple of good little freshmen and some other sophomores and juniors, and just a lot of people that are going to compete for spots, and that’s what a healthy program looks like,” Klagge said.
Those competitions have already begun and will continue throughout the season as the team looks to solidify its top seven lines for a berth in the state team tournament and the individual regional tournament at the end of the season.
Last year, the Eagles qualified for the state team tournament but lost to Niwot in the opening round by a 4-3 score.
The players are optimistic that despite having a young — and a little smaller — team this year, it can continue to live up to the tradition and reputation the program is known for.
“I hope that we can get all lines to go to state this year,” Wilcken said. “All place and go to state, that’s my goals.”
“Every day, Klagge’s like, ‘Get out there and work,’ and I think everyone does that,” Clingan added. “It’s really awesome to see that everyone’s having fun and also putting in the work and wanting to get better and wanting to grow.”
Loveland Red Wolves
Head coach: Gordon Cromwell (First season)
Last year: 7-5, fourth in conference
Returning state qualifier: Makena Cleveland (Sr.)
Others to watch: Addie Perez (So.), Leah Zwahlen (Jr.), Kaylee Ohmlid (So.), Charlotte Buxton (So.)
Coach’s outlook: “This is very young team with a great attitude and work ethic. We are going to work hard and continue to improve throughout the season. Seniors Cleveland and Karamea Ohmlid are the leaders of this group and have set a great example with their hard work. It’s a very enjoyable bunch of athletes to work with.”
Mountain View Mountain Lions
Head coach: Amy Ave (Second season)
Last year: 4-6, third in league
Returning state qualifier: Rebecca Napolitano (Sr.)
Others to watch: Emma Swank (Jr.), Yuki Chen (Sr.), Sophia Bellmar (Jr.), Kiori Torrez (Fr.)
Coache’s outlook: “We are thrilled to welcome back Rebecca Napolitano, Reporter-Herald’s girls player of the year, second team all-state, and first singles regional winner. She brings depth and experience to our tennis team along with a positive and encouraging attitude. Our seniors are Paityn Nichols, Chen and Napolitano. Their dedication has been instrumental in preparing the team for success and we wish them all the best of luck on their endeavors.”
Berthoud Spartans
Head coach: Tommy Kapaun (Second season)
Last year: 3-7
Returning state qualifiers: None
Players to watch: Sydney Wolf (Sr.), Amelia Major (Jr.), Mia Helden (Sr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We’re thrilled to have Mia Helden and Sydney Wolf back for their senior year; their leadership and experience will be the cornerstone of our team’s success this season. It’s always inspiring to see veterans return to lead the charge, and we’re counting on their veteran presence to set the tone both on and off the court. The energy is high this year as we also welcome a group of ambitious sophomores who have decided to take up the game. Their enthusiasm to learn and grow adds a fresh spark to our roster, creating a fantastic dynamic between our seasoned leaders and our newest players. With this blend of senior wisdom and newcomer grit, we are primed for a season of growth and competitive play. Get ready for some hard-fought matches and a whole lot of heart!”
Resurrection Christian Cougars
Head coach: Carmen Kilday (Second season)
Last year: 6-4, regional champions
Returning state qualifiers: Kylee Mayes (So.), Ryann Siffring (Jr.)
Other players to watch: Gabi Kellogg (Jr.), Tatum Highstreet (Jr.), Stella Fisbeck (Fr.), Francesca DiTullo (Jr.)
Coach’s outlook: “We’re coming off a special season as Regional Champions, good State showing, and while this year’s team has a new look, we’re excited about the potential in this group. Kylee and Ryann return with valuable state experience and will anchor our lineup with confidence and leadership. We have five returning players overall, but much of our roster is new to varsity competition. Several athletes are stepping into larger roles, and they’ve embraced the challenge with a strong work ethic and a willingness to compete. At Resurrection Christian, we talk a lot about competing with purpose — honoring God in the way we train, support one another, and handle both wins and losses. This group is learning to trust the process, trust each other, and ultimately trust Jesus with the outcome. If we stay committed to growth and play with courage and joy, we believe we can position ourselves well again by the end of the season.”
