SAINT PETER, Minn. – Coming off its 30th MIAC championship last year, the Gustavus women’s tennis team is set to begin its 2023 campaign this week in Florida. After the loss of seven seniors from the 2022 squad, the 2023 team will see new faces in leadership roles.
“The team is really excited for the season with the opportunity for returners to step into a bigger role and our freshmen to gain valuable experience,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said.
Carlson, in his 33rd season at the helm with an overall record of 654-227, has been pleased with the team’s commitment during the offseason.
“The team’s excitement is best measured by how much they were hitting in the offseason,” he said. “A lot of them hit every day and this is a great opportunity for them to write their own chapter in the history of Gustavus women’s tennis.”
The Gusties will see a completely new lineup with the loss of last year’s Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 6 singles players Simona Potockova, Anna Stutz, Sydney Douglas, and Rachel Lindrud. Yuki Oda (Sr., Kawasaki, Japan) brings back the most experience after playing No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles last season. Oda went 16-12 in singles and 18-11 in doubles. Alli Laux (Jr., Onalaska, Wis.) also returns after playing No. 5 singles last season with an overall record of 18-7.
Allison Szalay (Fy., Urbandale, Iowa) leads a group of seven first-years after having a strong fall season. Szalay advanced to the singles semifinals at the ITA Midwest Regional Championships in September. First years Kaya De Bruijn (Maasland, Netherlands) and Molly Austin (Arden Hills) also had strong showings at the regional championships by advancing to the round of 16 singles.
Along with Oda, the senior class includes Lili Elofson (Saint Peter), Renata Hernandez (Saint James), Emily Norman (Rochester), and Hayley Trebil (Edina).
“Our senior group brings a different element of leadership and they compliment each other well,” Carlson said. “This team overall is as talented as last year but they don’t have the experience yet. We have strong freshmen and returners who will be key contributors.”
Carlson is also excited about this season’s schedule leading up to the conference play.
“We play four ranked teams at the end of February and by scheduling these teams we will be ready and experienced by April for our conference season.”