Ella Gilbert enters her final state tennis tournament with Iowa City Liberty legacy secure

IOWA CITY — Ella Gilbert has accomplished much during her tennis career.

As the Iowa City Liberty senior gets set to close her prep career this weekend at the Class 2A state tournament, Gilbert's legacy is secure.

The 2A tournament is Friday and Saturday at Johnston High School.

Liberty is just finishing its seventh year as a school and Gilbert will be in her fourth state tournament, opening play on Friday against Waukee Northwest freshman Mia Deines.

Gilbert, who placed sixth and seventh in her last two state meets, is grateful for being a part of building the program at Liberty.

“I feel lucky to be able to be a part of creating the tradition and culture for our tennis program,” she said. “The progress we’ve made has been more of a team effort than an individual one.

“I think we have all come a long way in building a supportive team environment where we want to succeed and cheer each other on. I have met some of my closest friends on the tennis team, and I think that relationships like that are a big part of what has helped us come so far in such a new program.”

Lightning Coach James Postman credits Gilbert for her leadership throughout her career.

“With her leadership our program has been a top-10 program for the past three seasons,” Postman said. “Her importance to this program has been invaluable. She is a true leader on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”

For Gilbert, who will major in chemical engineering at the University of Iowa and play club tennis, the goal in her final state meet is a spot in the final four.

“Since I started playing high school tennis, my goal has been to place in the top four at state,” she said. “This year is my last chance to do so. I’ll have to get through some tough opponents.”

Postman believes Gilbert has a path to reach her goal, but said, regardless of the outcome, she will leave Liberty as a winner.

“Based on the draw and if everything goes well, Ella has a chance to make it to the semifinals,” he said. “As far as finishing in style, Ella has already done that. She is a great competitor but also displays tremendous sportsmanship and effort at all times.

“As a coach, you cannot ask any more from a player than that.”

Cedar Rapids Washington’s Katelynn Kock is the top seed in Class 2A and is a heavy favorite to capture her first singles title after winning doubles in 2022 and finishing second in 2023 with Kathryn Zylstra. Cedar Rapids Jefferson sophomore Lily Holland is seeded third. Other area players in the draw include Iowa City West’s Maggie Shin and Cedar Rapids Washington’s Samantha Becker.

Five area doubles teams also have qualified and none are seeded — Emily Brandt and Maddie Harris (Linn-Mar), Andras Haugen and Maddie Erickson (Linn-Mar), Michaela Goad and Natalie Hartman (Marion), Marie Stier and Clare Hahn (Iowa City West) and Lucy Lohman and Vivian Kahler (Iowa City Liberty).

The Class 1A tournament will be held at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Center in Iowa City. Cedar Rapids Xavier freshman Gabi Fleming is the No. 1 seed. Fleming’s Xavier teammate, Isabel Tobin, also is in the singles field.

The Saints doubles team of Avery Link and Ruby Smith is seeded second. Decorah’s Evon Leitz and Olivia Huinker are also entered.

Play in both classes begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.