Sauk Tennis Team Serves Up a Promising Season

By Brandon Clark, Sports Reporter

The Sauk Valley Community College, women’s tennis team continues to claim victories, returning to Nationals for the third consecutive year after placing second at Regionals. This year, the men’s team is looking to set their mark with a solid mix of returning players. 

“Having a strong lineup in spots one through six is really key to success at Nationals. If you just focus on having a few good players, it becomes really hard,” said Sauk Tennis Coach Sara Kipping.

Players are internally ranked by skill level, challenging one another for the top position. Players can be ranked based on individual performance and as pairs. 

Returning this year for the men’s team are Preston Engel, Jonathan Rhodes, and Zach Wallace. All three proved themselves to be exceptional players last season.

Preston Engel is the number one ranked singles player and the 2021 Region four champion. He was also nominated for the 2021 season’s most valuable player.  

Jonathan Rhodes claimed first place in doubles at last year’s Regionals, with Zach Wallace taking third. 

They are joined by state qualifiers Abbot Haner, Jared Mitchell, and Preston’s father, Corey Engel. This season, the team aims to take Nationals and have already come out swinging.

“The season is looking very good, and the men’s team has a very good chance of going to Nationals this year. They just have to stay calm, play their game, play how they know-how, and they can do it,” said Kipping.

The season is in good hands under the experienced eye of Coach Kipping. A 2013 Region IV Hall of Fame inductee and several-time Coach of the Year, Kipping has been coaching for over 30 years and is confident in her teams’ abilities. 

With strong line-ups and an experienced coach at the lead, the 2022 season looks full of promise and excitement. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend a match and show support for their teams.