Wanted: Rockford girls with the desire to play tennis. More opportunities than ever are available in Rockford to play tennis. With seven seniors leaving the varsity squad, Head Coach Tom Huizing will be looking at the JV-A and JV-B teams to fill these positions next spring. Practice and more practice during the summer and winter months are encouraged. If you are interested in going out for the junior varsity teams, watch the schedule in the spring and come prepared to show your skills you learned during the off season.
Varsity finalists smile with Ram pride after an amazing season. Pictured are (l–r) Lauren Korlewitz, Lindsay Gauger, Jenelle Miller, Alex Stembaugh, JV Head Coach Val Wallace, MJ Bothma, Heather Williams, Julie Daukss, Katie Rachon, Tara Murray, Varsity Head Coach Tom Huizing, Mackenzie Young, Megan Zawacki, and (front) Nicole Strobel.
Younger players are encouraged to keep honing their skills, take lessons if possible and keep playing! Come to the home games in the spring and introduce yourself to the coaches. Let them know who you are and ask their advice. Rockford is fortunate to have JV-B Coach Matt Drolett providing additional opportunities for all new players, as well.
Coach Huizing, JV-A Coach Val Wallace and Coach Drolett have a winning program and are gaining momentum. The JV team went undefeated for the second year in a row, and for the third year in a row the varsity team has qualified for state finals. The squad posted their best state performance so far, earning six points at the event held in Midland. All four singles players—Lauren Korlewitz, MJ Bothma, Alex Stembaugh and Jenelle Miller—along with number four doubles Megan Zawacki and Julie Daukss won their first-round flights. Senior Katie Rachon became the first Lady Ram to play in the state tennis finals three years in a row.
The Rams, along with Hudsonville and West Ottawa, showed great West Michigan comradery as they cheered each other on.
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