Center Grove senior Hudson Gilstorf concentrates on returning a shot during practice.
Rob Baker | For the Daily Journal
Since entering high school, Hudson Gilstorf’s three spring sports seasons have branched off in varied directions.
Gilstorf ran track at Center Grove as a ninth-grader. She was planning to be part of the Trojans’ girls tennis team in 2020, but the season was canceled due to COVID-19.
Last season finally presented her the opportunity in tennis, and Gilstorf made the most of it, winning 22 of 24 matches with freshman Lauren Dick at No. 2 doubles to help lead coach Debby Burton’s squad to a 16-4 record.
One of six senior players on the current roster, Gilstorf looks to help Center Grove, a regional champion a year ago and winner of four consecutive semistate titles from 2016-19, experience yet another deep postseason run.
It’s likely that Gilstorf will be slotted at No. 1 doubles when the Trojans play their home opener against Columbus North next Tuesday.
Senior leadership has been a hallmark of Burton’s teams since she took over as coach in 1999. The example that those 12th-graders exhibit during practices and matches is a necessary building block for a program ranked eighth in the state in sectional championships (31).
“The players always look forward to being a senior because of the opportunities, like having a say in uniform design and team building. They help guide and lead the way,” Burton said. “All of the girls are doing their job of leading in different ways.
“Hudson is probably the most experienced on the court. She’s not super loud. But if you’re on the court with her, she’s very calming. If you were a young doubles player, you would learn a lot from her.”
Gilstorf played singles when she was younger, but she eventually discovered her game was better suited for doubles.
“In middle school I did singles, but in high school I started playing doubles and liked it,” she said. “It just depends on what your strengths are. Mine are at the net, my consistency with my groundstrokes and hitting down-the-line shots.”
Gilstorf has looked forward to the day she could be one of the seniors in Burton’s program.
She doesn’t plan on wasting the opportunity.
“I enjoy being able to give guidance to the younger girls,” said Gilstorf, who will attend Butler University this fall and major in health science. “When I was an underclassman, I really looked up to the upperclassmen on our team.
“I feel it’s important to give people guidance.”
SCOUTING THE COUNTY
Center Grove Trojans
Coach: Debby Burton
Key returnees: Hudson Gilstorf, senior; Lauren Dick, sophomore
Top newcomers: Madison Herron, senior; Ava Beecher, Ella Meek, Anna Runkle and Peri Small, sophomores; Valria Ariz, freshman
Outlook: “CG girls tennis will post a young team this season. Despite how young we will be, these ladies have risen to my challenge at the end of last season and spent many hours on the court last summer and throughout the winter,” Burton said. “We have lots to figure out about our lineup, but have been impressed with what we have seen on the court the first week of practice. Our goal is to be a top contender by the time sectionals arrive. We are excited about competing and growing.”
Edinburgh Lancers
Coach: Rachel O’Brien
Key returnees: Peyton Bryant, Bethany Burton and Alyssa Funkhouser, seniors; Gracie Myers and Jillian Turner, juniors; Izzy Richardson, Zoey Sida, Lily Turner and Jessica Walsh, sophomores
Top newcomers: Maegan Clapper and Mia Dodson, freshmen
Outlook: “We’re expecting a lot of effort, energy and confidence on the court,” O’Brien said. “Our strength as a team is all the confidence we have, and how well the girls work together no matter their level. I think we’re capable of being at the top of our conference.”
Franklin Grizzly Cubs
Coach: Rusty Hughes
Key returnees: Haley Haldeman, senior; Ailyn Hendricks, Ava Pinnick and Emma Williams, juniors; Chelsie Rayl, Emma Sappenfield, Kennedy Urban and Rylie Wilkison, sophomores
Top newcomers: Mallory Luse, junior; Meleah Murphy, Kate Pinnick and Eleanor Stillabower, freshmen
Outlook: “My kids have worked hard in the offseason. Our goals every year are to compete for a conference and sectional championship,” Hughes said. “Rylie was second team all-state in singles, and Chelsie was second team all-state in doubles, but we had other players who were successful, too. I think the strength of our team is depth.”
Greenwood Woodmen
Coach: Maecee Terhune
Key returnees: Sophia Davidson, Marisa Linville and Meri Yusef, seniors; Ava Stein, junior; Maggie Boyce and Brooklyn Hanson, sophomores
Top newcomers: Ava Gardner and Savannah McCauley, sophomores
Outlook: “I believe we have high potential for the upcoming season, especially with having a lot of returning players,” Terhune said. “We have a positive team attitude and are focusing on working hard this season. Our goal is to have a competitive season and play our best when it comes time for the tournament. We are excited for matches to start.”
Indian Creek Braves
Coach: Mike Perry
Key returnees: Avery Burress, Zoe Rayback and Emilee Scott, seniors; Lauren Foster, Alli Gault, Kylie Lemmon, Lauren Lewis, Olivia Perry, Grace Soots, Addy Tunell and Katlynn Zupancic, juniors
Top newcomers: Lanie Swanson, sophomore; Bre Gault, Ayla Lollar, Alaina Perry and Ellie Rooks, freshmen
Outlook: “Our No. 1 goal this year is to win the conference championship, which would be a first for the Lady Braves since joining the WIC,” Perry said. “My expectation is for the girls to control the two things they can control, their attitude and their effort. If we bring a great attitude and give 100% effort all season long, we will be successful and have a lot of fun while doing it.”
Whiteland Warriors
Coach: Mike Gillespie
Key returnees: Brenna Atchison, Paige Lester and Kailyn Sheridan, seniors; Devon Long, Maddy Nieto, Ella Proctor and Sara Ullrich, juniors; Karley Hoagland, Namjeet Kaur, Kinsey Shipp and Candace Stephenson, sophomores
Outlook: “We are fairly young and inexperienced, but the girls are working very hard and doing a great job,” Gillespie said. “We will approach every day with the same goals — compete, have fun and be good people.”
