Decorah’s Caden Branum returns motivated after stinging state tennis finals loss

DECORAH — The title was there for the taking.

In last spring's Class 1A boys’ singles state title match, Decorah's Caden Branum rolled to an easy first-set win over Cedar Rapids Xavier's Brady Horstmann..

After losing the second set, Branum and Horstmann battled into a third-set tiebreaker where Horstman was able to finish off a 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory at Byrnes Park in Waterloo.

“I was so close, but couldn’t quite get over the hump and finish the match out,” Branum said. “I like to say that I didn’t sleep for a week afterwards.”

Now, as the 2023 season is about to begin, Branum, a junior, is more motivated than ever to claim the title. He has been ranked as the top Class 1A singles player in the state by Iowa HS Tennis and the Vikings, as a team, are ranked No. 2 behind Pella.

“Last year’s state final match has been a huge motivation,” Branum said. “It was eye-opening for me to learn about my game, and the parts I need to improve.”

That response was no surprise to Branum's coach, Matt Anderson.

“Caden and I discussed that loss a few days later after we both let the sting wear off a bit, and Caden's immediate question was, ‘what do I need to work on and change this offseason?’” Anderson said. “I don't think it was just about one loss, but the fact that he was looking to improve and grow his game.”

Branum has been looking to grow his game since he first started playing.

“My dad got me started playing tennis,” Branum said. “He started playing with me and my sister in our driveway with a little mini tennis net.

“Once we got old enough he started playing with us down at Decorah’s city tennis courts and as I got more and more interested, we would be down at the courts more and more often, until we were playing every day.”

Anderson said that is the same way he continues to approach the game.

“Caden is positive and hard-working everyday on the courts,” the Vikings coach said. "He has a high tennis IQ and picks up new ideas quickly, but really it's what he does when no one is watching.

“He's the kid you saw hitting against the backboard or serving three balls and chasing them down under the lights on the city courts.”

After the loss to Horstmann, Anderson was careful to make sure Branum was “patient and didn't lose his love for the game.” Branum said he has been working on refining his game since last spring.

“I feel that my ability to adapt, as well as to have many different shots at my disposal is a great strength,” he said. “Being able to adjust and play a slightly different style in each different game scenario, expose weaknesses of my opponents, and open up strengths of my own.

“I also believe that I have a mentality and confidence in myself when I play that allows me to always continue and compete, and have a belief that I will win.”

Branum, who plans to play collegiately once he finishes his time at Decorah next year, and his teammates open their season on Friday at home against Winona Senior out of Minnesota. Anderson is expecting a big year from his junior standout.

“His love and respect for the game is always on display,” Anderson said. “As a coach, I'm most proud of how he interacts with opponents, parents, officials, forging relationships and mutual respect.”