Classes started this week at Chaska High School and the girls tennis team has already competed in four competitions. Last year’s graduation had an impact on the Hawks, as the 2026 squad has just four seniors. This is giving underclassmen a chance to hone their games and position Chaska for a competitive season.
The team has a new coach: Bill Rennie, who comes to the team with a broad and deep knowledge of the game as both a player and coach. He has worked with players and teams from the Toronto area to San Diego, Atlanta and now Chaska. He brings a fresh perspective and offers keen insights into effective techniques, as well as the subtle game and mental strategies needed to be an effective player and contribute to the entire team. Rennie is assisted by Angela Erikson and Tyler Willey.
The Hawks opened their season on Aug. 27 against an always-tough Westonka team. While Westonka took the match, number two singles player, freshman Emily Schladweiler, won her match 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8). Number one singles player, freshman Amulya Kadirisani, battled admirably but came up short, 7-6 (8), 6-3.
On Sept. 1, Chaska took on tough conference opponent Bloomington Jefferson at home. Chaska improved its total number of games won, as Kadirisani won her match 6-1, 7-6 (8). Schladweiler improved to 2-0 on the year, winning her match 6-4, 6-1. Other singles players for Chaska in this match were senior Naomi Monaghan and senior Tessa Fihr. Players rotate each competition based on team needs.
Shakopee was next on Sept. 2. The singles players had a tough outing, and while the number of overall games won was up, no one won their match for Chaska. The doubles teams fared better. Playing number three doubles, juniors Bryn Paulson and Katie Robinson won their match 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (8).
Coach Rennie could be overheard discussing matches with his players, asking what went well and what they learned from each outcome. His insightful and supportive pointers offer value to the players and teams regardless of the outcome. His goal is to help the players get better at the game while enjoying a sport that many will stay involved with for a lifetime.
In their first road competition of the year, the Hawks met up with the Farmington team on Sept. 3, their fourth competition in a week. With everyone’s games on the upswing, the Hawks won the match. Kadirisani won her match 6-0, 6-2 and is now 2-2 on the year. Schladweiler continues to have a strong season and won her match 6-0, 6-1, moving to 3-1 on the season.
The number one doubles team of seniors Jenna Campbell and Shraavya Davuluri went the distance and won 7-6 (5), 2-6, 10-6. The number two doubles team of juniors Piper Kaufhold and Theresa Deschneau worked through their match and won 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.
The girls’ tennis season is a short, compact season, with the regular season lasting only six weeks. This means practice time is at a premium, but the players make the most of each session and continue to move their games forward in many ways.
“We’re working the process. Matches come at us pretty quickly, and the players are staying focused and adjusting,” Rennie said.
Fans are encouraged to come to a match and support the players. Home matches can be tracked at the GoBound page with home matches held at 4 p.m. at the courts east of the football field at Chaska High School.
