After arguably one of the best seasons in school history, the Cardinals look forward to continuing their proven success in the fall.

While the team has lost five players from last year’s team due to graduation or a school change, head coach Jon Coles believes this year’s team has major potential.

“We lost five out of twelve players,” Coles said. “However, I see us reloading, not rebuilding. We will be skilled but inexperienced in the singles lineup and should be very solid and deep in doubles.”

Along with the roster changes, the team will also be moved up to Division 3 due to boosted enrollment numbers. This creates a much tougher schedule for the Cardinals in the regular and postseason.

“D3 is a different animal,” Coles said. “It’s a much, much tougher division. Our schedule is extremely difficult. We have 17 dates scheduled and we’ll play 13 State Qualifiers from the 2022 season.”

 

A few Cardinal players practicing returns at last Monday's practice at Big Rapids High School.

 

Based on his team’s personnel, Coles mentioned that he wants to get his younger players some experience on both levels and he believes that the talent can make this team just as special as last year’s team.

“We can be just as good as last year if not better. We are extremely deep so it will be an extremely close and competitive competition for the top 12 spots. I’m not opposed to a few guys being two-way players throughout the season because we are so deep. My plan will be to have our top JV guys practice with Varsity to make us stronger next year and the years ahead. I’ve never done that but it makes sense given our depth.”

When it comes to goals, the Cardinals have some goals already set entering pre-season workouts. Not only do they include qualifying for the state tournament and winning a regional championship, but more beyond the trophies.

This includes life lessons like “teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, work ethic, and commitment.”

“(We want to) have fun and foster a good team environment and culture. We’ll make positive memories regardless of the outcomes.”

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