2011 Fall Preview: Young NLA girls tennis team looking to succeed without No. 1 singles player

Under the tutelage of sixth-year head coach Kathy Lutes, the New Life Academy girls tennis team’s motto for 2011 is “focus, strength, commitment.”

“I am extremely excited about the positive attitudes that we have on our team this year,” Lutes said. “Tennis is such a great sport because they will be able to play into their adult years and each point is so important. It is great because each girl can see her progress even in a couple of week’s time. It is great to be able to have teammates that can encourage each other and share their faith.”

This fall, NLA will be without Cara Lutes, the team’s No. 1 singles player the past five years along with doubles team of Aliss Wen and Wendy Ho and will field a very young team, according to coach Lutes. Key returning players to the Eagles this year, however, include: seniors Shelby Derrick, Maddie Gesell and Joelle Kamp, sophomore Anu Otgonbat and freshmen Kylie Falteisek and Laurel Baar. Derrick, Gessell and Kamp will act as captains this season.

“Several girls on our team participated in tennis camps and lessons this summer,” Lutes said. “We have a young team, but they are enthusiastic and have great attitudes. They are ready to learn.”

Tags: fall preview 2011, sports, prep, updates