Southmont girls tennis wants to improve off it 2022 season. The Mounties made some progress and believe they can do more in 2023 as they begin the season. A sectional loss to county rival Crawfordsville last year saw the Mounties season end a match shy of playing for a sectional championship.
Now as the new season begins for the Mounties, they’ll look to replace three seniors from a year ago in Bailey Barker at two singles, Dori Frederick at one doubles, and Chaney Scott at two doubles.
“Those three girls were key contributors and cannot be replaced,” Southmont coach Rob Reimondo said. “They had experience and gave us depth. Without any seniors this year, we will have to heavily lean on our juniors: Hanna Long, Marley Jones, Kela Johnson and Courtlyn Carpenter.”
Long returns at one singles with Jones playing either two or three singles. Johnson and Carpenter both played doubles last year and as Reimondo mentioned will see their roles increased as well.
Long provides stability at the top of the Southmont lineup and Reimondo knows that he can count on her whenever called upon.
“Hanna is not just talented, but she is very hard worker who wants to win,” he said of his one singles player. “Every day she quietly leads by example. We are excited to she what she can do this year.”
Early on during practice Reimondo has been thrilled with how hard his group is working to prepare for another season. Battling the elements of the spring hasn’t stopped the Mounties from putting in the work necessary.
“The work ethic of this team is incredible,” Reimondo said. “Due to weather, we have only had a few days outside so most of our preparation has been indoors which ultimately leads to additional conditioning — which is not fun or glamorous — but these girls have not complained once. Coach Jones and I have been very happy with the positive attitude displayed by all our girls day in and day out.”
Southmont begins its season Wednesday with a trip to McCutcheon.
