(Atlantic) Atlantic Head Tennis Coach Mike McDermott states the Atlantic girls’ tennis team combines experience and youth. He aims to improve the team’s dual record from last year, which was 4-7. Returning this season are two sophomores and two seniors who gained valuable experience from last year’s lineup.
Coach McDermott emphasizes the need to finalize the rest of the six-person roster. Forty-three players reported to practice this week, with 23 making up the girls’ squad.
Coach McDermott mentions that Kuemper, Clarinda, and Shenandoah are the favorites in the Hawkeye Ten Conference. The Trojans will open their season on April 7 at Kuemper.
The boy’s squad returns many upperclassmen, led by State Doubles qualifier and senior Kinnick Juhl, along with Conner Johnson, Gradyn O’Hara, Reid Woodward, and Conner Silence.
Sophomore Rayden Wheeler returns to the lineup. Wheeler finished the season with a 1-2 record in doubles and showed well in a couple of J.V. Tournaments. Coach McDermott is looking for more out of him and others to fill out the rest of the Trojans lineup. One hole to fill will be replacing Nolan Waters, who teamed up with Juhl at the State Dual Tournament one year ago.
The Trojans finished last season with an 8-5 dual record.
The Atlantic boy’s Tennis squad opens up at home against Kuemper on April 7.
