I will be celebrating my 20th year of coaching with a fantastic Tennis team. This year’s Skyhawk Women’s team will feature many new faces.

First the returning players who are from Sterling; Natalie Olds played both singles and doubles last year. Lauren Veiring played mostly singles last year. From Dixon; Emily Mills played mostly singles and Taylor Preston played mostly singles. They all did a great job last year and have worked hard to improve their game to be competitive this year.

The new faces this year are familiar to tennis. From Dixon Amanda Kent along with her doubles partner Kayla Wilson who qualified for the IHSA State tournament last year. Molly Ginn another stand out player from Dixon. Paige Goshert from Sterling. Dallas Adams and Alyssa Gallentine from Newman Central. Jessica Albers from Rochelle who played for Ashford College her Freshman year.

We have very tough competition in Region 4. All schools except IVCC that we play are from the Chicago area. With hard work and dedication this team can be competitive and place in the top three at Regionals. We have a lot of talented women on the team that have the skills necessary to be successful. Along with their love for the game it will help them to strive to achieve their goals.

For the second year in a row Sauk will have the priviledge to Host the NJCAA Region 4 National Qualifying Tournament. It will feature some great tennis matches. Play begins Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. The finals will be Oct. 6.