Victoria-Russell Girls Tennis Ready to Build on Foundation Laid in 2023

As the fall season approaches, the Victoria-Russell tennis team is set to build on the foundations laid during their inaugural year of cooperation.

Head Coach Kaylene Gabel is optimistic about the continued growth of the bonds formed between players from the two towns.

"Collaborating with another town presents some record-keeping and administrative challenges," said Gabel, "but watching the girls develop friendships with teammates they might never have met otherwise is a unique and rewarding experience."

With 12 players on the roster — six from Victoria and six from Russell — the team's goals are still taking shape.

"I'm currently assessing the different levels of talent and getting to know their personalities," Coach Gabel explained.

The squad features a blend of veteran players and newcomers, making it necessary to fine-tune doubles partnerships and other specifics as the season progresses.

This year's roster includes a diverse mix of players: three seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. Among the freshmen is a homeschool student from the Russell district, marking a new experience for Coach Gabel.

"I've never coached a homeschool athlete before," she noted, "so this is a new and exciting opportunity."

The team will also benefit from the addition of Conor Nicholl as an assistant coach. Returning regional competitors from last year include Aurora Nowlin, Jameson Toon, Saige Moos, Piper Nowlin and Hailey Gier.

"We have a lot of young talent in the mix," said Gabel, "and I'm eager to see how things develop as we finish our inner-squad ladder play."

With enough players to field both a JV and varsity squad — a luxury not enjoyed in recent years — both Gabel and Nicholl are enthusiastic about having a strong presence at every meet on the schedule.

The roster includes seniors Aurora Nowlin, Hailey Gier and Lindsey Cole, juniors Jameson Toon, Saige Moos and Taryn Batt, sophomores Piper Nowlin and Regan Beagley, and freshmen Rachel Kuhn, Aspen Holmes, Tayler Batt and Anna-Marie Marsell.

(Information courtesy Kaylene Gabel. Photo from last year.)