The 2024 season is here with the first practices getting started around the state last week and the first matches set for the end of the month. Another edition of the high school tennis season is about to commence. In what is one of the most exciting times of the year, players, coaches and teams across the state are doing their best to get practices in before competition begins. Each season brings a new wave of talent and brings a new set of players who have breakout seasons.
Key Dates:
March 11 - First Practices
May 6 - Individual regionals
May 10 - Team regionals begin
May 24-25 - Individual state tournament
May 29 - Team final four
Storylines
Columbus extended their team state championship total to 22 last spring. However, they lost a ton of starters to graduation, leaving sophomore Kate Holton to hold down the fort for the team this year. Will this be the most inexperienced team Coach Will has had in years?
Xavier failed to reach the final four in 2023 for the first time in a number of years. The Saints bring in freshman sensation Gabi Fleming, who is the heavy favorite to win the state singles crown this year, as well as return a number of starters from a year ago.
Can Central DeWitt return to the final four? The Tigers had a cinderella season last spring reaching the final four in their third year of existence as a program.
Pella returns the most starters of almost any team, and look to be in the hunt for a state championship.
Columbus and Xavier have combined to win the team state titles since 2013. Can a public school claim the 1A glory this year for the first time since Camanche in 2012?
Team State Title Contenders
Columbus Catholic: 2023 ended in the Sailors capturing their 22nd team state title a state record that is double the next program (IC West Boys 11). It is almost impossible to count Columbus out from making the final four, as they have made 36 team state tournament appearances in their program history. Out of a potential preseason top 10 rankings coming up, the Sailors have lost some of the most experience and starters moving into this season. Their core group of Sophia Fain, Alli Hagness (2023 singles state championship matchup) and Avery Hogan were key members of the last two state titles. Sophomore Kate Holton, will presumably move into that #1 position for Columbus in 2024.
Pella: The Dutch took 4th in the state last spring, and return their entire lineup, led by senior and 2023 4th place singles finisher Emily Blom. Blom has maintained the #1 position since she arrived in the program a few years ago, and will be key in the Dutch taking that next step this spring. Pella also has returning doubles state qualifiers Alloree Else & Lily VanDusseldorp, to strengthen the depth of their lineup. Depth with a be a big part of their success in 2024 and how far they may go.
Xavier: One of the more disappointing endings to a season for the Saints in recent years, Xavier failed to make the final four for the first time in what seems like a while. A lot of players moved up a few spots in the lineup and/or saw a lot of varsity action for the first time after key departures. How do the Saints respond? By loading up with the best player in 1A girls this year, new freshman Gabi Fleming. Fleming bolsters a now experienced group for Coach Matt Foxhoven, as the Saints look to get back on top come May.
Other teams to watch: Central DeWitt
Players to Watch
Emily Blom - Pella
Kate Holton - Columbus
Avery Link - Xavier
Gabi Fleming - Xavier
Kaitlyn Zugay - Ballard
Adria Neymeyer - Aplington Parkersburg
Elise Davison. - Camanche
Ishita Mukadam - Maharishi
Alloree Else - Pella
Evon Leitz - Decorah
There will be no defending state champions headlining the 2024 season, thanks to the departures Columbus's Sophia Fain, and doubles state champions Ella Dilulio/Helen Sons from Assumption. Unlike 2023, there is an overwhelming favorite for the singles crown this season, in Gabi Fleming, freshman at Xavier. There shouldn't be anybody that will be able to keep up with her this year, but, you never know, and that is why the game is played. I imagine the doubles field will be very competitive as many schools will stay away from singles. Pella, Central Dewitt, Xavier and Columbus could be contenders on the doubles side. I think this season will be less eventful and less surprises as last, seemingly to be Xavier's team title to lose. I expect the full-time tennis players to rise to the top as the spring progresses and show why towards the end of May and early June. With so many new faces (both players and coaches) this year, buckle up for a fun season that I think is wide open on the doubles side.
Team State Prediction
SF: Xavier def. Central DeWitt
SF: Pella def. Columbus
F: Xavier def. Pella
Singles State Champion Prediction
Gabi Fleming, Xavier
Doubles State Champions Prediction
Emily Blom/Alloree Else, Pella
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