Girls tennis; Haynes, Highland figures to be strong again

It's a new year with the same headline when it comes to high school girls tennis in Medina County. Eight-time defending Suburban League American Conference champion Highland should once again be the strongest team in the area, though the four other county programs are poised to take a step forward. The Hornets, who won titles at four of the five positions at the SLAC Tournament, return four 2023 All-Gazette picks, topped by reigning Gazette MVP Ally Haynes. Medina is hoping to challenge for a Greater Cleveland Conference title behind All-Gazette first singles player Megan Nuske, while Brunswick features honorable mention choice Sofia Droz and also could be in the mix. Honorable mention pick Lauren Ball will lead Wadsworth in SL National Conference play, with Cloverleaf hoping five experienced players can help it finish near the top in the Metro Athletic Conference. Here's a look at the five county teams: Brunswick Coach: Kevin Naugle (2nd season). Last year: 10-9 overall, 2-3 in GCC (4th). Key letterwinners lost: None. Letterwinners: Sofia Droz (HM All-Gazette, 1st singles, jr.), Kate Muniak (2nd singles, sr.), Abby Ivory (1st doubles, sr.), Addison Burns (3rd singles, sr.). Newcomers: Julianna Ulm (2nd doubles, fr.), Alexis Markowski (2nd doubles, jr.), Ava Daddario (1st doubles, jr.), Kate Staunton (doubles, jr.), Ava Kish (double, jr.). Noteworthy: Naugle expects the Blue Devils to be more talented and deeper than a year ago. His goal is to challenge for second place in the GCC behind defending champion Shaker Heights. * Stephanie Kaetzel is serving as junior varsity coach. Cloverleaf Coach: Nicole D'Amico (2nd season). Last year: 8-8 overall, 5-5 in MAC (3rd). Key letterwinner lost: Ava Baldwin (HM All-Gazette). Letterwinners: Brenna Carpenter (singles, sr.), Alyssa Bergman (singles, sr.), Stella Elkevizth (doubles, jr.), Jasmine Shimko (doubles, sr.), Mady Sweitzer (singles, jr.). Newcomers: Kinley Walters (doubles, fr.), Desi Bohner (doubles, jr.), Mallory Bohan (singles, sr.), Kenna Waggaman (doubles, sr.). Noteworthy: Norton is almost always the team to beat in the MAC, but D'Amico is hoping the Colts can make a push for the league title. * Michelle Pryor is serving as D'Amico's assistant coach. Highland Coach: Lisa Reynolds (22nd season). Last year: 15-2 overall, 7-0 in SLAC (1st). Key letterwinners lost: Evy Boucher (2-time All-Gazette, 2-time HM), Ella Gillin (2-time All-Gazette, 2-time HM). Letterwinners: Ally Haynes (Gazette MVP, All-Gazette in 2021, 1st singles, sr.), Claire Schlak (All-Gazette, 2nd singles, jr.), Lily Hantz (All-Gazette, 3rd singles, so.), Kenzie Pawlak (2-time All-Gazette, 1-time HM, 1st doubles, sr.), Ella Tople (1-time All-Gazette, 1-time HM, 1st doubles, sr.), Wren Marquis (doubles, sr.). Newcomers: Hailey Pennington (singles or doubles, sr.), Sarah Kelly (doubles, sr.), Teagan McCafferty (doubles, sr.). Noteworthy: The Hornets are a heavy favorite to nine-peat in the SLAC. Revere and Aurora figure to be their closest challengers. * Josh Bertolone, Ty Damon and volunteer Lisa Boucher are serving as assistant coaches. Medina Coach: Pete Hoffmann (20th season). Last year: 12-7 overall, 4-1 in GCC (2nd). Key letterwinner lost: Mandy Caspio (HM All-Gazette). Letterwinners: Megan Nuske (1-time All-Gazette, 1-time HM, 1st singles, sr.), Julia Kraft (HM All-Gazette, 1st doubles or 3rd singles, sr.), Ashley Wallace (2nd singles, jr.), Larken Talley (doubles, sr.), Claire Kocar (doubles, sr.), Hayden Rea (3rd singles or doubles, sr.). Newcomers: M.J. Pimpo (3rd singles or doubles, so.), Ella Bressler (3rd singles or doubles, so.), Sophia Young (3rd singles or doubles, jr.), Ruby Gabrielsen (3rd singles or doubles, so.), Nellie Alber (3rd singles or doubles, so.). Noteworthy: The Bees hope to make a run at the GCC title in a balanced league headlined by defending champion Shaker Heights. * Dan O'Brien is Hoffmann's assistant coach, with Mike O'Brien, Medina County Sports Hall of Famer Tim McQuown and Pravin Rodrigues serving as volunteer coaches. Wadsworth Coach: Kristy Nichol (15th season). Last year: 14-5 overall, 4-3 in SLNC (5th). Key letterwinner lost: Lizzy Edwards (2-time HM All-Gazette). Letterwinners: Lauren Ball (2-time HM All-Gazette, 1st singles, sr.), Sienna Lucci (2nd singles, sr.), Avery Neville (3rd singles or 1st doubles, sr.), Bailey Blum (3rd singles or doubles, so.), Laney Ross (doubles, jr.), Eden Kapusinski (doubles, jr.), Lena Buxton (doubles, jr.). Newcomers: Tessa Demiter (doubles, fr.), Alli Loose (doubles, so.). Noteworthy: The Grizzlies have some solid players but will have to rebuild a bit while competing in the rugged SLNC. * John Hutchinson, Cara Johnson and volunteer Jason Ball are serving as assistant coaches. Contact Rick Noland at (330) 721-4046 or rnoland@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @RickNoland on X.