See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior Captain Mylie Brandt of the Chaska Girls Tennis Team.)
How long have you been playing tennis?
6 years
What has been your favorite memory with the Hawks’ Tennis team so far?
My favorite memory so far this year was winning our first match at West Tonka. That was a big 4-3 win for our team, and a great way to start off our season. I was also very happy with my performance, as I had been training all off-season to start up again for the fall high school season.
What is your typical pre-match routine? Any superstitions you always follow?
I usually have school and maybe work during the day. About an hour before my match, I start getting ready — uniform, hair, water/snacks. Then I either go for a run with some pump-up music (Bailey Zimmerman), or I go windows down on Jeep with music. I’ll wear my AirPods on the bus for away matches and during warmups before it starts. If no AirPods, I ALWAYS have a song stuck in my head, so I’m jamming on my own. I’m not very superstitious, but I always do hair in a ponytail with a braid, necklace on, no bracelets. I’ve worn the same visor since the first day I played tennis in 7th grade.
Which of your teammates makes you laugh the hardest?
The teammate that makes me laugh the hardest is Ayla Schmitz. I feel like we have a very similar sense of humor and can always make jokes.
The Section 2AAA Individual Tournament starts on Friday. What are you most looking forward to?
The thing I’m looking forward to the most is playing some really good competition. I’ve worked hard the last year to be the best player I can be, so I’m excited for another chance to prove myself.
What are your plans for next year? Would you like to keep playing tennis?
I am planning on continuing my tennis career in college. I have applied to six colleges, and I’m still learning about each of them to help me make the best decision. As for major wise, I am not sure. I am interested in secondary education and exercise science.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
Honestly, it means so much to me. I love that I can guide other players along through their years with Chaska Girls Tennis, and see them through their ups and downs. I love that I’m able to coach girls at captains’ practices, and that many of them are willing to learn from me. I love being one of the girls that our B-Squad and JV can look up to. Although being a captain can be very difficult sometimes, I am very grateful to be in the position I am in.
(The Hawks Girls’ tennis team members play in the Section 2AAA Individual tournament starting Friday, Oct 10, at Bloomington Life Time Fitness. Go to https://www.mshsl.org/2025-section-2aaa-girls-tennis-brackets-and-individual-winners-report for the bracket.)
