The girls’ tennis season is in full swing at Boulder High. Boulder High’s spring season of sports is loaded with action and talent, and girls’ tennis is no exception. Capable of competing at the state level, girls’ tennis looks to a promising young season that you should support.
The Panthers sport an incredibly deep team, featuring six seniors, even more returning varsity players (including all three singles players from last year), and a whopping five captains. One important new addition to the team is freshman phenom Kylee Riess ‘29, who, as captain and number two singles, Tessa Botha refers to as her “little sister.” Riess is an established national player and is expected to put together a competitive season, and is considered a dark horse candidate for the state title.
The next three lines look just as promising with a wealth of experience and leadership. At #2 singles, Captain Tessa Botha ‘26 just had a solid year at #1 singles and will use that experience as a leader on the team and in this year’s matchplay. Captain Jessie Leblang, ‘26, takes the third and final singles spot on the squad. Leblang ‘26 is relentlessly consistent. She’s known for wearing down and beating opponents with her unwavering politeness.
Anchoring the doubles lineup are Captains Shelby Rosato ’26 and Ryler Horansky ‘27, whose mixture of experience, leadership, and fiery personality makes them valuable to any team and a nightmare to play against. Doubles 2-4 show a mixture of established talent and promising young guns featuring Nuri Russell ‘28, Gia Pater ‘28, Captain Maddie Gebhardt ‘26, Matilda Lee ‘28, Miller Wood ‘26, and Ellie Norris ‘26, all of whom prove to be fierce competitors and a tough matchup for anyone. The lineup also features two swing players, Heidi Volkmar ‘27 and Charlie Rosenthal ‘27, who stand as strong players ready to go. The tennis team boasts a 3-1 record and looks to continue their success and enjoyment for the remainder of the season. As captain Botha ‘26 put it, “My hopes for this season are for the team to work hard and do well while still having fun and enjoying the sport.”
Despite the lofty heights of the varsity team, tennis is a sport that encourages participation from everyone. Boulder High also puts up a Varsity #2 and an extensive JV team. No experience is required, and it can be a fun activity to do with friends, as well as a taste of high school sports glory. Per Rosato, “Underclassmen should definitely join; it’s such a great time!” Gebhardt continues, “I would 100% recommend the tennis team to everyone! It is so fun to be a part of a team and participate in matches and tournaments. Everyone is so welcoming, and upperclassmen are always happy to have new players on the team.”
Captain Horansky ‘27 put it best: “I love playing because the community is just a really strong one.” Come support this thriving community and help one of Boulder High’s most promising and successful teams.
