Girls tennis: Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett
Coach: Colleen Brandner
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
Top returning players: Sophomore Nia Cheshmedjieva
Key newcomers: Seniors Donna Huynh, Jasmine Leyva, Drashti Sikligar, juniors Lindsey Stoefen, Aubrey Celmer
Outlook: Bartlett graduated 14 varsity seniors from a year ago. "We are currently in a rebuilding phase with many new players," said Brandner. Cheshmedjieva is the only returning varsity player. She played No. 3 doubles last year and will be in the No. 1 singles spot this season. Stoefen and Celmer are playing No. 1 doubles, while Huynh (No. 2 singles) and the No. 2 doubles team of Leyva and Sikligar bring additional strength to the team. Bartlett opened the season with a loss to Elgin. "We are looking forward to the rest of the season," said Brandner.
Batavia
Coach: Brad Nelson
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 finish: 2nd UEC River
Top returning players: Seniors Megan Granberg, Sam Fosali, junior Kassie Hupach, sophomores Maddie Durso, Hailey Flannagan, Morgan Steinys, Madsion Ostrander, Sophie Cange
Key newcomers: Juniors Anna Fox, Laura Fox, Grayson Ferrell, freshman Alex Klein
Outlook: Batavia, which tied for first in the UEC River with Geneva but lost on a tiebreaker, is loaded with returning talent. Durso, a returning state qualifier, was a conference champion at No. 2 singles last year (29-10), Flannagan placed second at No. 2 singles, while Steinys was third at No. 4 doubles. Granberg was the conference champion at No. 3 doubles and finished with a 22-4 mark. Ostrander was 27-7. "We are young, but experienced with eight of our 11 starters having some varsity experience," said Nelson. Durso won four of five matches at No. 1 singles in the team's opening tournament this season. "We look to be a little stronger in singles," said Nelson. "Hailey and Morgan are athletic and have both improved a great deal from last season. This is a smart group that is great to coach." Cange and Ferrell went 5-0 at No. 2 doubles in the Jacobs invitational to start the season. "We will be in the mix for a conference title," the coach said. "We have solid depth and proven success and three 20-plus-match winners at the top of our lineup." Batavia has only 3 seniors out of 65 players in the program.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Laurie Bender
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 finish: 5th place Fox Valley
Top returning players: Seniors Katie Sowa, Isabel Steno, Leah Underwood, juniors Bethany Marshall, Sarah Schultz, sophomore Kaitlin Warner
Key newcomers: Juniors Elizabeth Lalond, Ava Warner, sophomores Alina Krembuscewski, Karina Los
Outlook: Bender is now in her fourth season as the girls' coach after a long string of successes as the school's frosh-soph boys and girls coaches (370 combined wins). Cary-Grove does return seven starters and has a junior in Marshall playing at No. 1 singles for a third year in a row. "We are young," said Bender. "We don't have many players who play/practice year-round or who play in USTA tournaments in the off-season. The players will strive to perform to the best of their abilities at all times. They also will display good sportsmanship and a positive attitude while having fun and developing a lifelong love for tennis."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Don Nead
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 finish: 13-3 (6-2 FVC, 2nd)
Top returning players: Seniors Claire Atkinson, Julia Kopfman, Caroline Rausch, Lauren Schoen, junior Skylar Olsen, sophomore Hannah Schuetzle
Key newcomers: Sophomore Sarah Schuetzle, freshman Anna Chang
Outlook: The Gators, who finished second in the Fox Valley last year and won a sectional title, have six returning FVC players, "and good senior leadership," said Nead. "The team should be competitive in the Fox Valley Conference." Kopfman, Atkinson and Olsen are returning doubles state qualifiers, while Rausch and Hannah Schuetzle are returning FVC champions.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Stephanie McClure
Conference: Fox Valley
Top returning players: Madie Pautz, Caitlyn Zdany, Hannah Gannon, Jessica Matulac, Mille Sangalang, Anna Russell, Erin Hajek, Zoe Lufman, Sandy Perez, Dana Howard, Sofia Barajas, Suzi Thompson, Jasmine Chavez, Dagne Levia, Daisy Zalet, Danielle Hrinowich, Andrea Resendiz, Lizbeth Tinajero, Chanel Ziegler
Key newcomers: Africa Gasco, Caitlyn Valencia, Mary Domich, Cady English, Jennifer Garcia, Josie Munoz, Jessica Silva
Outlook: "We lost key players in the lineup due to graduation," said McClure. "We are looking to rebuild this year."
Elgin
Coach: Ming Chai
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Top returning players: Marta Krakowski, Shrinal Patel, Shyama Patel, Leslie Garcia
Outlook: New coach Chai does have some experienced players to work with in his first season on Maroon Drive. Krakowski is a two-time state qualifier (3-2 at state last year), while the Patels played No. 1 doubles last year. Garcia played No. 2 singles a year ago. "Marta has looked good so far," said Chai. "I really look forward to working with her." Elgin has 27 players in the program this season. "The girls are learning and they are trying hard," said Chai. "I've brought in some new stuff and am passing on those skills. The girls are adapting to those skills. They are committed to learning and improving themselves."
Elgin Academy
Coach: Greg Repede
Conference: Independent School League
2016 finish: 11-8-1
Top returning players: Seniors Caitlin Sharma, Michelle Peyton, Sharene Gould-Dulabaum, Neha Shyamani
Key newcomer: Ashley Gordon
Outlook: The Hilltoppers are coming off a 2016 campaign where they went 11-8-1, the third-best record in the program's history. "Our numbers are not great, but we do have some experienced players," said Repede. Sharma and Peyton excelled at No. 1 doubles a year ago and that's where they likely will play once again this fall. Newcomer Gordon also is making progress. "Ashley has improved tremendously," said Repede. "She, Sharene and Neha will play some No. 2 doubles and some singles. Lack of depth will make it hard to repeat last year's record, but we will work hard, have fun and do the best we can."
Geneva
Coach: Zach Evans
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 finish: UEC River champions
Top returning players: Senior Caroline Lahey, juniors Taylor Hayes, Grace Hahn
Key newcomer: Junior Shelby Johnson
Outlook: Geneva, which won the UEC River Division title last year, returns Lahey and Hayes in singles play, while Hahn and newcomer Johnson will headline the doubles division. "A strength of the team is the depth of our roster," said Evans. "We have a lot of good players who could be moved around and play anywhere without hurting the lineup. We are very evenly balanced this year and have a solid lineup in singles and doubles. We have great camaraderie. This group all seems to get along well with each other and are fun to coach." Evans would like to see his group win the conference title again. "The goal is to win conference, which I think we have a decent shot at doing. However, as always we have a lot of good competition on our side and all the teams are well-coached," he said. "It will be a good, tough season."
Hampshire
Coach: Stephanie Rahimi
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 finish: 5-9, 2-6 FVC
Top returning players: Katelyn Patthana, Grace Witecha
Key newcomers: Freshman Shannon Luzaszuk
Outlook: Patthana, a senior, played No. 1 singles last year but is looking to try her hand in the doubles division this season. Witecha played No. 1 doubles in 2016 and is returning to doubles this season. Hampshire also will be aided by juniors Mari Byker and Alexis Foster. "Both played a mix of singles and doubles on varsity as sophomores," said Rahimi. Experience is on Hampshire's side this year. "We have an older team that is ready to compete," said Rahimi. "Last year we had three sophomores who now will be starting juniors. This year we have the largest number of tennis players on the team. We are excited to keep growing and competing against our conference opponents." Hampshire has returning players in all the doubles positions. "We're an experienced team and the players are very good at working as a team to push each other to be better," said Rahimi. "This is an extremely positive and energetic group. I am looking forward to their competitive outlook on the season."
Huntley
Coach: Barry Wells
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 finish: 17-4, 4th FVC
Top returning players: Seniors Alex Landman, Francesca Mannarino, Kayley Roche, Jordyn Bremer, Merritt Whiteside, junior Samia Desai
Key newcomers: Senior Lauren Eliscu, juniors Riley Conradt, Gabby Barnvos
Outlook: Huntley lost five of its top six doubles players to graduation. "We should continue to have a deep team," said Wells. "We have several girls still competing for spots in the starting lineup." Wells is high on the doubles team of Landman and Roche. "Alex and Kayley could be one of the top doubles teams in the area if they play together consistently," he said.
Jacobs
Coach: Jon Betts
Conference: Fox Valley
2016 finish: Fox Valley Conference champions
Top returning players: Seniors Haley Steinkamp, Kylie Skepnek, Nikole Gilman, Amber Seong, juniors Brianna Japkowski, Ramya Nissankula, Paige Shiakallis, sophomores Lindsay Cunningham
Key newcomers: Senior Elisabeth Neruda, juniors Rebecca Mudge, Katherine Neruda, Kailey McNally, sophomore Lindsey Taylor
Outlook: Steinkamp and Skepnek are returning state qualifiers for the defending conference-champion Golden Eagles. Steinkamp was the conference runner-up at No. 1 singles. Skepnek was a conference champion at No. 1 doubles. Gilman won a conference title at No. 2 doubles, while Japkowski and Nissankula won the No. 3 doubles title a year ago and Cunningham won the No. 3 singles title. "We have a great group of talented, experienced players returning," said Betts. "They have demonstrated an ability to compete at a high level and we'll be looking for them all to take the next step this season. A lot of our lineup remains up in the air. I am confident we will be competitive in singles and doubles, but we have several lineup options we're still experimenting with. We're fortunate to have a team willing to work hard every day and is focused on making the most of every opportunity they have to compete." Betts said to keep an eye on sophomore Cunningham. "She's one of the most focused and hardest-working players in addition to being one of the kindest," the coach said. "Even after a massively successful season as a freshman, I think she's ready to do even more this year."
Kaneland
Coach: Tim Larsen
Conference: Northern Illinois Big 12 East
2016 finish: 2nd in division, 5th overall
Top returning players: Seniors Ava Mandele, Ingrid Napiorkowski, juniors Erin McMullen, Anna Carlson, Haley Plach
Key newcomers: Junior Madelynn Jurasek, Freshman Piper Schrepferman
Outlook: Early in the season, McMullen and Carlson were at No. 1 doubles, while Mandele and Napiorkowski were at No. 2 doubles. Plach was at No. 2 singles. Schrepferman was at No. 1 singles, while Jurasek started the season injured. She's a transfer from Aurora Christian. "We have some girls with years of experience at the top of our lineup," said Larson. "The returning players all played roles in the varsity lineup last year so they've seen the level of competition already and should be ready to be competitive this year. I feel like we have a deep team, so I'm confident in the girls who play in the lower singles and doubles positions." Larsen is a huge fan of the team's personality. "This is a great group of girls. They're fun, they are funny, they really get along well," he said. "They are just a great group of young people. My assistant coach and I enjoy every minute of our time on the courts with them." Newcomers Jurasek and Schrepferman will make impacts for the Knights. "Madie Jurasek hasn't been able to play yet, but she's a known and accomplished player who should be a big impact on the team when she's ready to go," said Larsen. "Piper is a young talent that I look forward to watching develop. Knowing her family from having coached her older sister, Sammie, I know she'll be dedicated and a fierce competitor. I like the way she's been approaching matches so far. And don't fall asleep on Haley, Erin, Anna, Ingrid and Ava. I wouldn't be surprised if any of them end up having a breakout season." Larsen said the Knights have their sights set on the NIBXII title. "We intend to be competitive for the conference championship every year," he said. "Several juniors already have varsity experience which bodes well, we have a couple seniors returning to the lineup and with some new talent coming in we think we ought to be competitive in that tournament at the end of the year. And then we'll set our sights on the sectional tournament after that."
Larkin
Coach: Kevin Schillerstrom
2016 finish: 6-8
Top returning players: Senior Becky Rossen, juniors Elisa Arce, Eliana Bermudez
Key newcomers: Juniors Samantha Smith, Stephanie Lopez
Outlook: Arce will play No. 1 singles, while Rossen will play No. 1 doubles. Bermudez is at No. 3 singles or No. 1 doubles, while newcomers Smith (No. 2 singles) and Lopez (No. 3 singles) will help as well. "It's a caring group of athletes with the desire to improve individually," said Schillerstrom. "They all try their best no matter what, even in the face of loss. They help their other teammates out, including the new freshmen who have never played the sport." Schillerstrom said Smith and Arce have stepped things up in particular on the singles front. "Samantha and Elisa are so close to stepping up to the next level of their games," he said. One key goal for the Royals, the coach said, is to improve on last year's 6-8 dual-meet mark.
St. Charles East Saints
Coach: Matt Bulman
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2016 finish: 10-5 (4-2 UEC River, 3rd)
Top returning players: Senior Reema Dhar, junior Katie McCarthy, sophomores Claudia Field, Jamie McDermott, Elena Melone
Key newcomers: Seniors Chantel Carranza, Nicole McGraw, junior Bella Bernat, freshman Megan Conroy
Outlook: Dhar is back and is playing No. 1 singles, while McCarthy and Field are at No. 1 doubles and McDermott and Melone are at No. 2 doubles. On the newcomer front, freshman Conroy is at No. 2 singles, while Bernat is at No. 3 singles. Carranza and McGraw will be playing No. 3 doubles. "We have a great group of hard workers," said Bulman. "They are a very coachable group and all are united under one goal - to get better." Bulman said Dhar will be competitive in singles, but the team's strength remains in doubles where McCarthy and Field have made big strides. "Katie and Claudia played in the sectional lineup last year and have made serious gains in the offseason," he said. "We will have a tough sectional, but those two have what it takes to get out." Bulman terms his squad as very young this fall. "We have a quiet confidence about us," he said. "No one is expecting much of us in the area and we like that. We would love to surprise the conference. Our goal this year is to get better. We know we can be very good, but we need to stay patient and work hard every day." Bulman alluded to a tough conference slate. "On paper you have to slot Geneva or Batavia as the conference favorite," he said. "St. Charles North and us would be close behind. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds."
Streamwood
Coach: Kristina Sawyer
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Top returning players: Alaina Kanthaphixay, Isabella Alvarado, Emily Jaramillo, Jenny Grimaldo
Outlook: Kanthaphixay returns to the No. 1 singles position after missing last year due to injury. She qualified for state in 2015 and also earned all-conference honors that year. "We are excited to see how she does this year as a senior," said Sawyer. "Definitely keep an eye on her this season." Alvarado, Jaramillo and Grimaldo also are back for their senior years on the team. "I am really excited to see how these girls have grown and improved over the past years," said Sawyer, in her third year coaching at Streamwood. "Most of them had never played before when they joined the team and they have worked really hard to learn and get better."
West Aurora
Coach: Bruce Fraser
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2016 finish: UEC Valley champions
Top returning players: Seniors Liz Stefancic, Sarah Love
Key newcomers: Juniors Maria Goheen, Christiana Guthrie, Laeticia Mbende, sophomore Brianna Lindstrom
Outlook: Stefancic qualified for state in 2016, while Goheen made it in 2015. "We have two very solid players at the top with Liz and Maria," said Fraser. "We have very coachable players. They love tennis and they work hard." Fraser would like to see his team be in the mix for another conference title. "We would love to compete for a conference championship again," he said. "Outside our top two or three we are lacking varsity experience so we will have to progress rather quickly to reach that goal." Stefancic and Goheen both are ranked USTA youth players who Fraser noted will both draw college interest. West Aurora started the year off with a 4-2 dual-meet mark with wins over Yorkville (4-3), Aurora Central Catholic (7-0), Mother McAuley (4-3) and Plainfield East (7-0) and losses coming to Downers Grove North (5-2) and Batavia (4-3).
Not responding to requests for information: Aurora Central Catholic, Rosary, St. Charles North, South Elgin