Girls’ tennis heading into final spring season

CEDAR RAPIDS — The winds of change are coming for girls’ high school tennis in Iowa.

And, if you listen to most area coaches, they are welcoming what could be warmer winds.

Tennis for both boys and girls have long been a staple of spring in Iowa. However, after this spring, a split will occur with the girls’ season moving to the fall with the boys remaining in the spring.

The girls’ season this year begins this week and will conclude in early June with the state tournament. The following season will begin with practices on Aug. 4 with meets able to start on Aug. 7. The season will conclude in early October with the individual and team state tournaments.

"I think we have an amazing opportunity this year, with it being the last spring season, and then moving right into the fall, to really build up our girls and play lots of tennis," said Cedar Rapids Washington Coach Sam Koeppl. "I also think for 2A this is going to enable a lot of our girls to be able to focus on sports one at a time."

Most coaches see better weather as the biggest plus. Other positives cited by coaches included better court availability and the opportunity for the players to enter the season more prepared after a summer of play.

"It seems the winter season has moved into March as of the last number of years, and March can be very windy, cold and wet," said Prairie Coach Scott Leggat. "By moving to the fall we should see improvement in weather conditions.

"I also think it will be conducive to girls coming into the season more prepared. Not all athletes have access to indoor facilities to prepare for the spring season."

Poor weather, especially early in the spring, has led to condensed schedules and even the cancellation of some matches due to time constraints at the end of the season.

"This change is definitely going to help schools who don't have access to a facility in the winter," said Linn-Mar Coach Bruce Croy. "Girls now get to have a full spring/summer of hitting instead of picking up a racquet for the first time since the end of September."

The move also will allow for more court time during the season as schools will not have to have the girls and boys sharing courts for meets and practice time.

"We're very excited about the change," said Iowa City High Coach Ann Camblin. "I think it will be great for both the boys’ and girls’ programs as it will free up practice courts for each program. It will also be beneficial in improving the level of girls' tennis in the state of Iowa."

Some coaches, including Decorah's Amanda Huniker, believe there will be "growing pains" with the change of seasons. She likes the fact smaller schools will be able to get more time in the summer to prepare, but is aware there could be issues.

"Probably the biggest challenge will be competing for athletes with cross country and volleyball," said Liberty Coach James Postman. "While this is a challenge, I do feel that compromises can be made and working together with coaches and athletes it is possible for athletes to compete in multiple sports during the same season."

Another issue could be the coaching itself. Several tennis coaches also coach sports during the fall, which could force some staff adjustments. One coach has already indicated this spring will be his last as a tennis coach for that very reason.

"Personally, I am not a fan of moving girls' tennis to the fall. I think it will be very hard on schools in smaller areas to get girls to try tennis in high school, as most will continue playing volleyball," said Western Dubuque Coach Sam Nieman. "It will also be my last season coaching girls' tennis, as I coach football in the fall."

Xavier's Matt Foxhoven said the first year of fall tennis could be a bit of an unknown commodity .

"I am excited for the move to the fall," he said. "I think this first year will be interesting with the quick turnaround after the spring season but going forward it will be a big advantage going to the fall and having the summer to practice and work with our teams."