-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge Girls Tennis Returning Letterwinners are, Left to right, Front Row: Lacey Larson, Grace Rivera, Kaitlyn Folsom, Madge Hensley Back Row: Mia Carpenter, Manuela Rodriguez, Grace Behrens, Claire Thompson, Eva Nostrom Not Pictured - Janelle Derrig

With 10 returning varsity players led by No. 1 Manuela Rodriguez, the Fort Dodge girls tennis team has high aspirations this spring.

Rodriguez is joined by Grace Behrens, Kaitlyn Folsom, Janelle Long, Madge Hensley, Lacey Larson, Claire Thompson, Evah Nostrom, Grace Rivera and Mia Carpenter for head coach Julie Astor.

“We had a really good offseason, with many of the girls playing throughout last summer and fall,” Astor said. “A few of them were able to continue playing indoors over the winter, and I know when Mother Nature has cooperated, they have been getting outside to hit the courts.

“We also have increased our roster size to 25 which is great. While a number of them do not have tennis experience, they all have incredible work ethics and a strong desire to learn the game.”

Rodriguez, a junior, battled point-for-point against some of the top players in Class 2A last spring for the first time after spending her freshman year at St. Edmond.

“Manuela has been around the game for a long time and is just a great player,” Astor said. “I know she was a little frustrated last season losing in the second round of regionals, but I think that has only helped fuel her fire for this year.”

Behrens, a senior, will be in the No. 2 spot behind Rodriguez and is a “strong leader on the court” for Astor.

Folsom, Long, Hensley, Larson, Thompson and Nostrom each spent time in the varsity lineup a year ago, while Rivera and Carpenter played varsity doubles.

“I am looking for them all to make a bigger impact and step up their game,” Astor said. “With the number of girls we have out, I expect them to push and challenge each other for varsity spots.

“I still think some of the newer girls have a legit shot at doing that even though we return so many with varsity experience.”

Among those players are multi-sport standout Meah McCaleb, Amy Muftillaeua and Kamryn Gochee.

“Amy played over the winter and is an exchange student at FDSH,” Astor said. “Meah is a little raw but is catching on fast and Kam is another one who is adapting to the game quickly and has a great attitude.”

Emily Chichester, Alexa McHone, Edyn Witham, Taylor Cote, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Aveya Lee, Teagan Loots, Taylor Martin, Tayviarra Phillips, Lilly Sheeder, Caitlyn Uhlenhopp and Harper Sandahl round out the roster.

Astor will be assisted by Bill Foval this spring.

Fort Dodge heads to Marshalltown to open the season on April 1 and will make its home debut two days later vs. Des Moines North.

2025 FORT DODGE GIRLS TENNIS

Roster

Seniors — Grace Behrens, Emily Chichester, Kaitlyn Folsom, Lacey Larson, Janelle Long, Alexa McHone, Meah McCaleb, Claire Thompson, Edyn Witham.

Juniors — Kamryn Gochee, Madge Hensley, Amy Muftillaeua, Manuela Rodriguez.

Sophomores — Mia Carpenter, Taylor Cote, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Aveya Lee, Teagan Loots, Taylor Martin, Evah Nostrom, Tayviarra Phillips, Grace Rivera, Lilly Sheeder, Caitlyn Uhlenhopp.

Freshman — Harper Sandahl.

Schedule

April 1 — at Marshalltown; 3 — DM North; 7 — at Spencer; 8 — at Mason City; 10 — DM Roosevelt; 12 — at Dennis Price Invitational in Spencer; 15 — at DM East; 17 — Ames; 22 — at DM Hoover; 28 — Boone.

May 2 — Ankeny Centennial; 6 — DM Lincoln.