WINONA LAKE, Ind. – A new era for Grace women's tennis begins in 2022-23. Former Lady Lancer standout Emily Ackerman (Mast) will take the reins and lead the program as head coach after shedding the interim title following the spring season.
"I am eager and optimistic for the upcoming season. This being my first season as head coach, I have high expectations and a lot of excitement for all that is to come," said Ackerman.
The Lady Lancers will feature five returners from a year ago with the addition of a pair of sophomore newcomers.
Two seniors will bolster the lineup for Grace. Kiersten Martin performed well at No. 6 singles with a 7-3 record last year. Gretchen Adams rounds out the senior class after posting a 25-13 doubles record during her career.
A pair of returning sophomores each made an impact in their rookie season at Grace. Lydia Ruegsegger led the charge at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles, going 11-11 on the year.
The junior class includes All-League honoree Anna Graves, who played at No. 2 singles and doubles a year ago. Addy Jarvis also earned time at No. 6 singles.
"One area of focus this year will be doubles' matches," said Ackerman. "We have a strong, skilled team which will allow us to find the right combinations and be strategic with our pairings based on our opponents."
Jimena Ramirez, an NJCAA All-American, joins the team after a stellar freshman campaign at Seward County Community College; she helped lead the Saints to a third-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament. Fellow newcomer, Hallie Mast, adds depth following a career at Westview High School in Topeka, Indiana.
"Our lineup is very deep this year and I expect us to win a lot of matches because of this," added Ackerman. "I believe our group of ladies will flourish due to the hard work they have put in during the offseason."
The season opens at home on Sept. 3 with a Crossroads League doubleheader at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts. The Lady Lancers play a pair of league matches at home on Sept. 7 with the Crossroads League Tournament set to begin on Sept. 20.
"We have a united group that is consistent and mentally tough," commented Ackerman. "They love the Lord, each other and the game of tennis."
