Tom Brumfield has coached girls tennis for many years.
And if you ask the veteran coach, he’ll tell you this fall’s Thomas Jefferson squad has the potential to be the best girls team he’s ever had.
“This could be the best girls team that I’ve had the pleasure to coach because of the overall depth of the team and the strength at the top,” Brumfield said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what this team will be able to accomplish. The team is very excited about the upcoming season. With everyone back and a strong group of newcomers, the girls are looking forward to the possibilities of the new season.”
Thomas Jefferson has its entire starting lineup back from last year’s squad that went 12-2 in dual matches and advanced to the sectional round of the Class 1 state team tournament.
Thomas Jefferson’s returning starters are senior Jessica Joseph, juniors Allison Ding and Emalee Ro and sophomores Jeanna Jeyaraj, Kyla Yang, Warda Morsy and Hannah Grundy.
One of the region’s top singles players a season ago, Ding went 25-3 and finished seventh at the Class 1 individual state tournament, earning all-state honors.
“The top spot will be anchored by Allison,” Brumfield said. “She is looking to improve on her state finish from last year. Jeanna Jeyaraj, who finished second at districts last year to Allison, will also be pushing for a top spot on the team. Jessica Joseph, our lone senior, will be in the mix and will help provide the leadership and stability in the lineup as always needed.”
Promising newcomers to the team are sophomores Mayson Solum and Jenna Trimble and freshmen Haley Orr and Jenna Joseph.
“They’ve been looking good in practice and someone or more than one could even become a fixture in the top six,” Brumfield said of his newcomers. “I expect some close matches when we start playing matches to form our rank order.”
The strengths of the Cavaliers will not only be varsity experience, but also depth.
“No doubt our strength is the experienced players that are returning,” Brumfield said. “This will be our deepest girls team that we have had at TJ. We have a strong player at the top followed by a deep group behind her. This is something as a coach you always would love to have.”
Although the team features a number of varsity veterans, Brumfield noted there’s always room for improvement.
“We have some experience coming back from last year’s team, but they are still young,” he said, noting only one senior. “We’re still learning a lot. We’re working to become more confident and putting all areas of the game together. When all areas of the game start clicking it should really be exciting.”
One main key to success for the Cavaliers is to simply avoid injuries throughout the season.
“Everyone staying healthy will be a big key,” Brumfield said. “Having to move lineups and having to change doubles partners always brings challenges.”
The Cavaliers are scheduled to begin the season on Aug. 29 at Joplin.
With high expectations this fall, Brumfield noted the Cavaliers can’t wait to get the season underway.
“I really like the make-up of this year’s team,” Brumfield said. “Having all your starters back is always something that is easy to get excited about. I think it will be a fun and exciting year for the girls. They could very easily put together a very strong year with a strong finish.”
