For the Daily Journal
Reese Johnson has been Whiteland’s best tennis player since she first set foot on the court two years ago. Now a junior, Johnson will be asked to do more than just win matches; she’ll be asked to lead off the court as well.
Johnson will headline a talented Warriors squad that is hoping to make a few waves this season. Along with winning a Mid-State Conference title, Whiteland believes it can compete in a very difficult sectional along with stalwarts Center Grove, Greenwood and Franklin.
At the center of that success will be Johnson, who will hold down the No. 1 singles position as she has done the past few years. But it’s her other role, the one as leader, that has her eager for the season.
“As a leader and as a captain this year, no matter what, work as hard as we can,” Johnson said. “We do have tough opponents this year, in conference especially. Just play your best, improve as an individual and that will help the team.”
Johnson has held her own against some of the best players in the state. She was named to the all-county and all-conference teams a year ago and Warrior coach Mike Gillespie believes that she can do even more this year.
“She’s a great athlete, she’s driven, she’s put in the time,” Gillespie said. “She’s playing better players every day and it’s made her a better player. I expect her to have a great season.”
Part of what makes Johnson a good player is her attitude. Positive and always ready to help, her enthusiasm rubs off on the other players.
“I want to be everybody’s friend on the team, but there are times when I have to push them a little bit,” said Johnson. “But I just want to have a positive environment. I want them to love the game of tennis just as much as I do.”
Johnson has worked hard to step into that role as leader. Along with working on her individual game, she has worked hard to be the leader that her team needs, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone.
“I feel a little more pressure as I’ve gotten older. For me, I have expectations that I set higher for myself and I struggle in factors,” she said. “I want to just focus on getting my technique right and playing as hard as I can because I know there are tough players out there.”
Johnson has already started looking ahead to possible college destinations. She’s unsure of where she will go just yet; for now, she just wants to put together a successful season.
“Success is just being a better player than I was last year and being a better team than we were last year,” Johnson said. “I know that a little bit of improvement can make a big difference as a team.”
“She’ll help our team be more successful,” Gillespie said. “She’s good in school, good on the court, a good leader. You couldn’t ask for more.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Scouting Johnson County’s girls tennis teams” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Center Grove Trojans
Coach: Debby Burton
Last season: Won county, sectional, regional and semistate titles; lost to Providence in state quarterfinal
Who’s back: Holyn Aukerman, Jillian Garrett, Abby Hoard, Emily Hoy, Isabella Schoolcraft and Ellie Strube
Who’s gone: Katelyn Gray, Carleigh Hardin, Cassidy Hardin and Maddie Weeks
Key newcomers: Ashley Frisk
Outlook: Despite losing several key players from last year’s state finalist, there are reasons for the Trojans to be excited. Led by Schoolcraft, who teamed with Cassidy Hardin to win the state doubles championship last year but returns to No. 1 singles this year, Center Grove still has enough talent to make a run. “Our depth provides us some options,” Burton said. “Over half of the team has played in the offseason. As a coach, I am excited and have high expectations this season.”
Edinburgh Lancers
Coach: Rachel O’Brien
Last season: Lost to Columbus East in first round of Columbus East Sectional
Who’s back: Clara Carman, Paige Johnson, Haley Jones, Haven Link, Sophia Parmer and Katie Roberts
Who’s gone: Hannah Gosman, Heather Jones, Sydney Schlotter and Allie Schooler
Key newcomers: Annelise Lollar, Destiney Ramey, Kaylee Swallows, Bri Tomlin and Faith Walker
Outlook: The Lancers return six starters, and with several strong newcomers, they are looking to improve on last year’s finish. “We have dedicated workers who want to better themselves out on the courts,” O’Brien said. “My girls who have played before have really stepped up and have been great leaders to the beginning players. I am looking forward to what this season has in store for us.”
Franklin Grizzly Cubs
Coach: Rusty Hughes
Last season: Lost to Center Grove in the Center Grove Sectional final
Who’s back: Allison Bennett, Emma Genter, Katie Heuchan, Daryn Hyenman, Rachel Pinnick, Abi Smith and Alexa Wilkison
Who’s gone: Katie Purk
Key newcomers: Jackolyn Boardman and Haylee Raye
Outlook: Franklin went 14-6 a year ago and reached the sectional championship, and there is plenty of reason to believe the Grizzly Cubs can do even better this year. “Most of our players have worked pretty hard in the offseason,” Hughes said. “Our two main goals, along with individual improvement, would be to challenge for a conference and a sectional championship.”
Greenwood Woodmen
Coach: Jeremy Runge
Last season: Lost to Franklin in first round of Center Grove Sectional
Who’s back: Maddie Bright, Samantha Gonzalez, Simi Kaur, Brittany Mandabach, Blanca Ortega, Denisa Raducan, Alyssa Roscoe and Madelen Tevalan
Who’s gone: Molly Jacobs
Key newcomers: Maddy Cox, Bekah Ebeyer, Shea Hart and Ashley Thompson
Outlook: The Woodmen graduated only one senior from last year but still have a very young squad. Bright (No. 1 singles) and Roscoe (No. 1 doubles) are the only seniors on a roster that has 19 players. “I expect us to be competitive, be consistent and play good tennis,” Runge said. “Whether we get wins is irrelevant. I want us just to have fun out there and grow as a team.”
Indian Creek Braves
Coaches: Ryan Posey, Dave Broshears
Last season: Lost to Center Grove in first round of Center Grove Sectional
Who’s back: Katie Burkman, Brooke Coy, Ali Harris, Mackenzie Hunter and Mya Piccone
Who’s gone: Jessi Button, Sara Knight, McKayla Russell and Kelsey Weaver
Key newcomers: Julia Sheets, Alyssa Pruitt and Lacie Tekulve
Outlook: With all three singles players and one doubles team returning, expectations are high this season in Trafalgar. Burkman and Harris will fill the top two singles positions and carry the Braves. “They are extremely athletic and competitive. Both are key players on our basketball team here, too. I’m expecting big things from them this year,” Posey said. “I’d like to win the WIC outright and compete with the top schools in our county for a sectional championship.”
Whiteland Warriors
Coach: Mike Gillespie
Last season: Lost to Franklin in first round of Center Grove Sectional
Who’s back: Hannah Blum, Riley Burnside, Haley Darling, Bri Harwell, Reese Johnson and Sophie Venter
Who’s gone: Avneet Badwal and Makyala Sell
Key newcomers: Sarah Scott and Maria Smarrelli
Outlook: The Warriors have one of the best singles players in the area in Johnson, but they are not a one-woman team. Five other players who played significant time a year ago return, giving Gillespie a reason to be optimistic. “I think we’ll be very competitive,” Gillespie said. “I think this group really wants to do well.”
[sc:pullout-text-end]
