If you were to ask a Gustavus Women’s Tennis team member their goal for the season, most answers would have to do with one common word: improvement.
“Mostly all the players want to grow as a team and improve individually. We are hoping to be in the mix for the MIAC Championship, as well,” Head Women’s Tennis Coach Jon Carlson said.
“The new freshmen are a blast. I love every single one of them and they each make the team better.”—Sidney Dirks
The team’s season began with a training trip in Puerto Rico at the beginning of February.
“We had a blast in Puerto Rico. We stayed in an amazing resort and went on some fun excursions. We had two-a-day practices almost every day and also played the University of Puerto Rico and won,” Junior Sidney Dirks said.
The weather in Puerto Rico was a change of pace from the frigid temperatures and indoor tennis back in Minnesota, and allowed the team to practice outside. This pre-season training helped prepare the team for the difficult matches that started their season.
“We started the spring season off playing mostly Division I teams, which was new this year. It’s really fun to play tournaments like that because we learn a lot,” Dirks said.
Aside from the Division I competition, the Gusties have added conference wins over Bethel University and Macalester College.
“I’ve been very pleased with how everything has gone to this point. The girls are focused, motivated, and positive,” Coach Carlson said.
Along with upperclassman leadership, the team has a lot of young talent this year.
“We are still a very young team like we have been in years past. We have six new freshmen this year and they are all super great. They have brought a lot to the team both skill and personality wise,” Krebsbach said.
“The new freshmen are a blast. I love every single one of them and they each make the team better,” Dirks said.
The six first-years include Katie Aney, Ally Baker, Avery Bather, Lauren Ihle, Laura Martin, and Taylor Shortly.
The main goal for the end of the season is a MIAC conference title. This goal is most certainly attainable.
“I know if we go match by match, we can win conference this year and even make nationals,” Dirks said.
As a senior, Krebsbach has already been named MIAC Tennis player of the week once this season.
“I really would love to leave this team with a title and hopefully a title the team can carry on for years to come,” Krebsbach said.