Girls tennis: Scouting DuPage County and the Fox Valley
AURORA CENTRAL CATHOLIC
The Chargers, winners of the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference a year, were 11-2 in dual meets in 2024. Junior Allison Fosco had a 15-4 record.
"Allison has eyes on making it to the state (Class 1A)," said coach Tammy Whited.
Others back are seniors Lexi Javier, Addison Renteria, Gabriella Panagakis and Karol Montalvo. Jocelyn Urbeallis and Ria Maurauskas are also back.
Sophomores Nola Hollenbaugh and Kamryn Holubetz went 23-1 in doubles play and lost in the sectional opening round.
Sophomore Libby Hipp joins the team.
"We think first and second singles will win a lot," said Whited. “We have a great chance of repeating last season."
BARTLETT
The Hawks returns seniors Suhani Patel, Diya Chheda, Sabikah Musabji, Dhanvi Dhandapani, Mary Ann Ghani and Shriya Patel and junior Aurush Mehta.
Newcomers are junior Aquira Navsari Waola and sophomores Zainab Dhar, Lauren Qualls and Anna Fountier.
The Hawks were second in the Upstate Eight Conference and seventh in the sectionals last year.
"We want to place in the top three in the conference,“ said first-year coach Jason Kwasniak. ”We are senior heavy and we want to enjoy the season and grow as players."
BATAVIA
The Bulldogs, under 27th-year coach Brad Nelson, were second in the DuKane Conference, first at the 2A Geneva sectional and 33rd at the state meet.
Batavia, first in the Pekin, Jacobs and Bloomington Invitationals, are led by sophomore state qualifier Claire Anderson. Other returners are seniors Izzy Wit and Mia Tarmichael along with junior Alex Angelov.
Newcomers include seniors Izzi Donahue and Summer Kowalik, along with juniors Vivian Cobb, Avery Haney Kadey Modaff and Liz Melvin, and sophomores Charlotte Burns and Madelyn Peterson.
"We lost seven players to graduation," said Nelson. “Wheaton Warrenville South has won the last two conference titles and we won the previous four. St. Charles East and St. Charles North should be strong. If the young players adjust and step up we can be competitive early in the invitationals.”
BENET
Under first-year coach Brad Pihl, who replaces longtime coach Michael Hand, Benet returns junior Lily Lopatka (top 12 singles in Class 1A), seniors Meagan McCarthy and Chris DiSanto and junior Hannah Bobofchak.
Newcomers include senior Caroline Gibbs, sophomores Anna Jones and Julia Kastelic and freshman Elizabeth Mahlik.
Benet, which will compete in 2A this season, is the defending 1A state champs and are the defending East Suburban Catholic champs and sectional champs.
"We graduated five of six from the state champion team but we have strong kids from the JV team," said Pihl. “We hope to defend our ESCC title. The conference will be very competitive with Nazareth, Carmel and Marist. They all have strong returning players.”
CARY-GROVE
The Trojans won their own Bud Lachel Invitational last year, took second in the Fox Valley Conference and fourth at the 2A sectional. This year Cary-Grove drops to 1A.
Returning for Amanda Schueltze's troops are seniors Maliana Kurth, Megan Ptaszek, Ellie Stawarz, Taylor Hamann and Darby Hennessy. Newcomers include seniors Presley Brainerd, Kaitlin Lummis, Sophia Salvaggion and Payton White along with juniors Anya Nordengren, Jelena Karlovsky, Camryn Liebow and Mia Lawyer.
"We graduated seven key players from last year in the top spots in singles and doubles," said the Cary-Grove coach. “If we work hard on a daily basis we will reach our potential. The top four finishers in the FVC all but P-R (Prairie Ridge) has lost a significant number of players due to graduation. We are still expecting Huntley to be strong and a team to beat. Crystal Lake South has many returners.”
CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH
Junior Rachelle Appelhans was the lone Gator to qualify for the Class 1A state tournament, and she has a two-year mark of 47-24.
"Hopefully she gets another shot (at state),“ said coach Mark Scheurich.
The Gators, fifth in the Fox Valley Conference regular season and tournament, were 49th at state.
Joining Applehans as returners are seniors Riley Sturm (22-7) and Elianna Rankin along with juniors Hannah Koh and Marissa Ulrich while juniors Abby Lara and Megan Weldon and sophomore Katie Lin are newcomers to watch.
"We want to improve our finish in the conference," said Scheurich. “We hope to get more than just Rachelle to the state meet."
DOWNERS GROVE NORTH
Coach Dana Graczyk returns seniors Corrina Irvin and Emma Irby along with juniors Olivia Tan and Danielle Willinski.
"We are making strides with these girls and hope for positive results at singles and doubles," said Graczyk.
DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH
The Mustangs return senior and Lehigh recruit Gabby David, a 3-time state qualifier who was 21st in the state in Class 2A a year ago. David enters her senior campaign with 96 career wins.
Also back is sophomore Lily David, who was 25th in the state in singles.
Downers Grove South won the West Suburban Conference Gold Division last year, and took second in the Naperville North sectional and 21st at state. South has won four straight Gold division titles.
"We want to win a fifth straight," said coach Josh Forst. “Last year was our highest finish in the sectionals. We are hosting the sectionals this year and want to improve that finish.”
DUNDEE-CROWN
Seventh-year coach Yuto Tsukida returns senior Sasha Bokovic and junior McKenna Fernstrom. Newcomers include freshmen Solveig Nelson, Eva Buetel and Grace Birkett.
“We have a lot of team returners with new faces," said Tsukida. ”We are focused on staying dedicated and improving each day. We want to stay competitive throughout the season.“
FENTON
The young Bison coached by Jeff Porto are led by juniors Damaris Lopez, Ashley Lopez Cruz, Diya Patel and Victoria Socha along with sophomores Marcelina Gancarz, Marianna Ivanova, Francesca Parrino, Emelia Szeliga and Ariya Smith. Freshmen Patricia Ormon and Abigail Schmidt are newcomers on the scene.
GENEVA
The Vikings are led by senior returners Addison Sostak and Chloe Cournaya along with juniors Lettie Klein and Anishka Jain, and sophomore newcomer Deanna Tira.
"We are a competitive team with a lot of senior leadership," said coach Zach Evans. “We want to push to the top of the conference and make a run at sectionals and getting qualifiers to state."
GLENBARD EAST
Coach Scott Llorens used basically a sophomore lineup in 2024. The result was a sixth-place finish in the Upstate Eight Conference East Division.
A year older, the Rams’ junior-laden lineup hopes to show vast improvement in 2025. Back are juniors Ava Ebner, Fiona Fitch, Akemi Gonzales, Maggie Keating, Abby Leahy Jenna Pope and Audrey Tragasz. Cynthia Garcia is the lone senior returner.
Junior Marija Cheeks will miss the season with an injury.
Newcomers include juniors Maxine Pacasio and Grace Sabarin along with Sarina Parker.
“We competed well and improved greatly as the season went (last year),” said Llorens. “We brought everybody back and have confidence in our ability to finish much higher in the conference. We forced a lot of three-set matches. We hope to turn the losses into wins. This group is continuing to grow through hard work and positive attitudes."
GLENBARD SOUTH
Back for coach Michelle Gatz are seniors Augustus Leimonas, Tess Robins, Samantha Sadorf, Anesa Maloku, Gabrielle and Lucielle Mohorovic along with junior Riley DePorter.
Juniors Layla Bailey, Lauren Hemmer and Sophie Sweeney and sophomore Hannah Coppolino join the team.
"We are returning experience and new depth aiming to be more competitive in the conference (Upstate Eight)," said Gatz. “Every point every match we hope to win. We have a great mix of experience with fresh energy to the program. We have several returning players leading the way. We want to create a season of progress full of hard work and team spirit. We want to build our strengths and grow together as a team."
GLENBARD WEST
The Hilltoppers return sophomore Kendall Mehta, who was a state qualifier in doubles as a freshman, senior Victoria Creswell, juniors Ella Gacek, Sammie Smith, Allison Kwiatkowski and Mia Fanter, and sophomore Evelyn Carle.
Freshmen Maddie Dohman and Piper Harding join the team.
"We are in a tough conference which is extremely strong," said coach Kevin Graham. “We want to win a majority of our dual meets and qualify as many as we can to state.”
HAMPSHIRE
Senior state qualifier Isabella Kowalak posted an 18-9 record in 2024. The Whip Purs, fifth in the Fox Valley Conference and 42nd in the state a year ago, also return seniors Elianna Miranda and Alex Schuring and junior Luna Kimura while welcoming seniors Ari Geraci, Georgie Sterken, Isabella Yu and Bike Asanbekova to the team.
"We have a lot of experienced upper class players," said coach Tyler Belding. “We look to be in the top half of the conference and make some noise at the Fox Valley tournament. We have a strong group of newcomers which gives us depth through out the lineup.”
HINSDALE CENTRAL
Coach Shawna Zsinko’s Red Devils enjoyed a stellar 2024 season with West Suburban Silver and sectional titles and a third-place finish at state.
Seniors Asha Sarai, Lauren Panveno and Sydney Shuster and sophomore Sophia Virmani return.
HINSDALE SOUTH
The Hornets, finished second in the state in 1A last year. Senior Haley Goins and sophomore Teodora Savic finished in the top 12 in doubles in the state, and senior Monica Alexsonis and junior Ivanna Cabello also return.
Newcomers include junior Miley Zhang, sophomores Maddie White and Giselle Martinez and Teona Gavitski and freshmen Aanya Balay and Sofia Cortez.
“Our finish at the state meet is our best since 1997," said coach Courtney Bison. ”We want to win conference again. We lost 10 seniors from last year. We have a young team which has shown tremendous growth."
HUNTLEY
The Red Raiders, under first-year coach Kris Grabner, return state qualifiers senior Ella Doughty and junior Julie Klockner. Senior Gulianna Farraj returns while sophomore newcomers Ainura and Gainura Baidylaeva along with freshman Ella Nedoss look for court time.
The Raiders were 23-4 in dual meets and swept all the flights at the Fox Valley Conference tournament.
"We graduated quality players but still have heavy experience back," said Grabner. “We look forward to winning the FVC again. We have a challenging schedule. We look forward to a good season."
IC CATHOLIC PREP
Coach Sarah Tardiff returns senior Isabella Ocampo and junior Kathryn Anderson.
"The GCAC is tough," said Tardiff. “We are young with limited experience. We have some returning players but they will be in new positions."
JACOBS
First-year coach Georgia Redmond welcomes back senior Hannah Mudge and junior Dasha Kozlova to go with junior newcomers Isabella Williams, Caitlynn McKay and Caoimhe O Dea.
“The competition in the conference will be tough," said Redmond. ”We expect to face strong opponents across the board. We have the challenge to keep up especially in the top position. Our goal is to improve each day. We want to fight for every point in every match. We want to see growth and resilience from every player."
KANELAND
The Knights, first in the Rochelle and East Aurora Invitationals a year ago, are led by returning seniors Jade Lee and Laina Ariola. They also have a number of new players on the team including juniors Maya Heller, Lydia Stover, Ellie Wallert, Maggie Nevelli and Greta Falk.
"We have a new batch of first time varsity players," said coach Beth Miller. “We are looking forward to the development."
LAKE PARK
First-year coach Craig Cichowicz, who comes over from Bartlett, inherits returners seniors Ella Bathje, Brooklyn Stea, Elizabeth Ivasyuk and Krina Patel. The Lancers add freshman Sarina Patel.
"We are looking forward to competing in one of the toughest conferences in the state," Cichowicz said. “They get a lot of state qualifiers out of the conference. We look forward to competing. We have a veteran team with 11 seniors. It is a competitive bunch of girls. Let see how they compete and what they can accomplish.”
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs, fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference and 15-13 in dual meets, are led by juniors Vibha Manepalli and Shre Nibhanupudi and sophomores Leah Liu and Tvisha Shaw who will be joined by freshmen Lily Tang and Smitha Sathya.
"We want to finish fourth in the conference and get state qualifiers," said coach Kole Clousing.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies, under the tutelage of Heather Henricksen, were 12th in the state in 2A, co-champions in the DuPage Valley Conference with Neuqua Valley, and second in the sectionals.
Naperville North returns seniors Mihika Gokhale and Marium Ahmad, junior Varsha Pamulapati and sophomore Anda Elezi, and adds junior Zannah Chien and freshman Makaelyn Woller.
"We are rebuilding in a tough conference with a tough schedule," said Henricksen.
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats, co-DVC champs a year ago, bring back senior state qualifiers Sofia Chou and Kylie Tran.
Second-year coach Carol Cairney also returns seniors Neha Kumar and Debashi Day, and juniors Fatima Faruqui, Menar Kaur, Melina Liu, Gabriella Lombana and Emma Matthew to go with sophomore newcomers Anshu Matham, Kaylee Shen and Akshayaa Karthik and freshmen Jennifer Tang, Katarina Egelja and Pragathi Palavesam.
SOUTH ELGIN
Nineteenth-year coach Melissa Tuftedal returns Upstate Eight Conference singles champion junior Abby Wolf. Also back for the Storm are seniors Minha Awan, Victoria Kajpust, Imaya Ansari and Albigail Gerona along with junior Bella Flores.
Sophomore newcomer Sarah Mozdzen seeks court time.
"We want to finish in the upper half of the conference," said the Storm coach. “We look forward to playing our rival Bartlett. We look forward to an exciting season. We expect growth competition and teamwork. The effort of the team in the off season has set a strong foundation of leadership from the returning players. We are ready to take every challenge. Our key goal is to qualify kids for the state tournament. The girls are committed to make that happen.”
ST. CHARLES EAST
The Saints finished fourth in the DuKane Conference and third in the sectionals.
Senior Kelsey Jacob and juniors Zoe Hermann and Harper Charlon are returning state qualifiers for the Saints who also bring back seniors Layla Sutara and Lea Forsell and add seniors Kate Archibald, Ana Garcia, Lauren Tozzi and Delaney Gerard, sophomores MacKenna Dorman and Gulianna Gutuso and freshman Greta Mazurova.
"Our goal each season is to win conference," said coach Susan Bolin. “We want to qualify kids for state. The kids are putting in the work and dedication in the off-season.”
ST. CHARLES NORTH
The North Stars will rely on senior Reese Thomas, who is a two-time state qualifier and four-year varsity performer.
Other players to watch are seniors Kayle Reinhamer and Evertte Alharhara, sophomores Aria Bhate, Fiona Wendel and Kate Dorn, and sophomore newcomer Abby Weddle.
"We will rely on Reese's spirit," said 20th-year coach Sean Masoncup. “We will be extremely young with eight sophomores. We will have our ups and downs but we should be able compete in the duals.”
ST. FRANCIS
The Spartans return three-time state qualifier Ashley Rajcevich (25-15 last season) along with state qualifiers senior Cameron Rajcevich (15-18) and juniors Carmen Risson (26-13) and Elle Steffen (31-12).
Other returners are senior Niamh Gambino and junior Cali Simpson, while junior Maria Fassnacht, sophomore Avery Strine and freshmen Karoline Slazek, Nivi Raj and Ava Greco are new to the team.
"We want to play our best tennis this year in the conference,“ said coach Jonathan Kerchenski. ”We have three seniors, some returners and three new freshmen on the team. We are thankful for both the youth and experience."
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN
The Trojans, 11th in Class 1A, return sophomore Laura Labardi who was a state qualifier, and she’s also the lone Trojan returning with varsity experience.
Coach Richard McLean will count on seniors Anne Huegli, Julia Auriemma, Kamryn Day, and Miley Woerner, juniors Chloe Wilgenborg, Annika Leinkuil, Claire Ruster, Elizabeth Wilson and Sadie Tameling, and sophomores Brooklyn Bunn, Allison Tandy and Hannah Huizenga.
"We hope to have continued improvement," said McLean. “Marian Central and Wheaton Academy are the teams to beat in the Chicagoland Christian Conference."
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
Phil Galow, in his 47th season as head coach at Waubonsie Valley, led the Warriors to a 20th-place finish in Class 2A. He returns sophomore state qualifiers Lydia Parranto (top 16) and Devi Rao.
Other returners are juniors Chloe Cochran, Sana Kalra and Anusha Tennetti and Karina Alexeesa.
Newcomers include junior Sahanna Kuttaliongan, sophomore Kerri Gaur and freshmen Liya George, Myrna Jamal and Isha Thriu.
"The DVC historically is tough,“ Galow said. ”This is shown by the placement in the conference tournament and state meet. How good we will be will depend on how the new members get up to speed. This is a very smart team. We use practice as a springboard to get better every day.“
WEST AURORA
The Blackhawks are the defending Upstate Eight Conference champs and had a school record 16 wins in dual meets (16-5).
Sophomore Elena Grmusa was a state qualifier as a freshman.
Other returners are seniors Chelsey Barajas and Katelin Cook and juniors Mia Kerns, Alyssa Falcone and Ellie Hartman.
Newcomers are seniors Valeria Islas, Jessica Zavala, Chloe Prieur, Monet Prieur, Sydney Wolff and Madeline Miller along with junior Genevieve Gallo, and freshman Lexi Bacarella.
"We are upperclassmen heavy," said coach Chrissy Ormond-DeSwardt, a hall of fame athlete at West Aurora. “We have the experience and maturity to lead us to another winning season."
WHEATON ACADEMY
The Warriors return 7 of their top 9 players from last year's team which finished second in the GCAC and third in the 1A sectionals.
Coach Joel Visker, in his 12th season, welcomes back his top three singles players: senior Lizzie Scheidt (No 1. singles), sophomore Leah Hilde (No. 2 singles) and sophomore Maggie Clousing (No. 3).
The No. 2 doubles team features seniors Milly Rienow and Portia Noensie and third doubles team is Elizabeth Van Hies and junior Rachel Hayes.
Newcomers include senior Abbie Cavone and freshmen Claudia Guira and Miarabella Poland.
"Marian Central won the conference and were fifth in Class 1A and returns three players," said Vicker. “Marian Central and Timothy Christian are our main competitors. We will compete for a conference championship. It would be our first since 2018. We have the depth and strength to compete for a conference and sectional championship. We hope to qualify multiple players for the state tournament. It is the most talent we had in a long time. We had a great off-season with a lot of players developing their game."
WHEATON NORTH
Coach Eric Laird, in his 24th season, led the Falcons to third place in the DuKane Conference and 11-5 in dual meets last year.
Returning for the Falcons are seniors Julia Russell, Sonja Oleniczak and Lauren Park, and juniors Julia Grygorchuck, Kat Stevens and Jelena Krstic.
Newcomers seeking to contribute are seniors Grace Reeves, Liesl Kozrarz, Emma Jones, Aubrey Tilsk, SJ Hubbard, Phoebe Sommer, Rebecca Ahern and Audrey Lange along with juniors Anjaii Cowart, Izzy Rivers and sophomore Mia Ochwat.
“Wheaton Warrenville South has been DuKane champions the last two seasons," said Laird. "They are certainly hoping to defend their championship. We had a lot of very close matches last season. We want to have fun and a competitive season. We want to finish top three in the DuKane Conference and top three in the sectionals."
WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH
The Tigers, fifth in the state in 2024 in 2A, seek another DuKane Conference crown and 2A sectional title.
Back are junior Riley Lepsi and sophomore Reese Lepsi who were fifth in the state.
Also back for the Tigers are juniors Anna Ittersagen, Kelsey Clousing, Mae Haas and Prya Rozanski.
"We have a strong returning group," said coach Clousing. “We have a great top of lineup and depth.”
WILLOWBROOK
Third in the West Suburban Gold a year ago, the Warriors have seniors Shannon Freer, Hannah Gault and Kamira Henry and juniors Claire Brennan and Anna Miehle returning, joined by sophomores Elena Maxse, Alexa Urbonas and Cara Casey.
"Hinsdale South lost a ton last year but coach Bison (Courtney) does a great job," said Willowbrook coach Eddie Delacruz of the Gold race. “We look forward to the challenge. Downers Grove South is the team to beat. They have amazing depth. Our kids did a ton of work in the off-season and deserve a varsity spot."
YORK
The Dukes, fourth in the state in 2A with 18 points a year ago, are led by junior CJ Coan who was 26-7 in doubles play.
Also back are seniors Rosie DeChristofaro, Olivia Allen, Julianna Hickey and Violette Ries.
Kara Dollaske, in her 15th season as head coach, welcomes newcomers seniors Christina Kanel and Catherine Skakolski, juniors Evelyn Kahl, Adelle McAllister, Raina Dalal and Margo Williams and sophomores Ainsley Williams and Samantha Bhagavan.
"Last year with a fourth place team placement at the state meet was our most successful season," said Dollaske. “Always striving to be better. We want to compete against the top teams and programs in the state. Our goal is to play strong duals and place ourselves in good position in the conference tournament. I am excited to see what we bring to the court this season."