The Neosho High School girls tennis team will feature three returning starters and a large group of newcomers this fall.
Senior Sydnee Minton and juniors Claire Burghart and Keely Keeton are the team’s returning starters.
Neosho coach Nick Hays said the program has 14 new players this season.
With three returning starters and a large group of newcomers, Hays is optimistic as the 2023 season arrives.
“I’m very excited to have so many new players and 10 of them are ninth graders,” Hays said. “I’m looking forward to our returners hopefully contributing more this year and building for the upcoming seasons.”
Of course, the Wildcats must navigate the always-tough Central Ozark Conference schedule. Neosho went 0-9 in COC play last year, something Hays hopes the team can improve upon this fall.
“Being in the COC, it will always be a difficult season,” Hays said. “We hope to try and get some conference wins this year along with some non-conference wins, as well.”
As far as team strengths, Hays noted his athletes have shown the ability to work hard and are eager to improve their games.
“The girls seem excited and motivated and willing to learn,” he said. “That’s half the battle.”
The Wildcats will have several varsity newcomers in big roles this season.
With that, Hays simply hopes to see steady progress throughout the ’23 season.
“We have a lot of brand new players,” Hays said. “We want to get them as much court time as possible to build that experience. We need to make sure the players are enjoying the sport enough to where they play a lot outside of practice to help improve, as well.”
Neosho hosts Aurora at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.
