Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Beth Murman returns a shot for Fort Dodge last season.

As a former tennis player herself, Martha Mericle understands the importance of building a program from the inside out.

Mericle returns for her fourth season directing the Fort Dodge girls with a small group of letterwinners back in the mix.

A 2007 graduate of FDSH, where she placed sixth at state in doubles, Mericle went on to compete for Iowa Lakes on the volleyball court. She has also made stops at West Sioux, Okoboji and Iowa Central as a coach.

“A key to developing a complete tennis team is to ‘advertise’ our program through previous players, word of mouth and tennis lessons,” Mericle said. “I want to keep building the program and see an increase in girls each year — which I have — because this is a life-long sport and a fun sport to play.

“The girls learn the game of tennis and are able to continue playing even after high school.”

Senior standout Beth Murman, who has committed to Winona State University to continue to tennis career, is a former state double champion, a state singles qualifier and has captured a pair of state co-ed crowns.

“Beth is such a huge role model to everyone on the team,” Mericle said. “She’s a solid player and the other girls look up to her and want to learn from her.”

Kathryn Cochrane, a sophomore, returns from the top of the varsity lineup, and will be joined by Emma Bloom, Brooke Erickson, Michelle Chen, Raven Breiner and Sierra Bethke as the Dodgers look to replace several key seniors.

“Kathryn was a huge asset as a freshman last year,” Mericle said. “We have some big shoes to fill, but the girls are ready for the next level.”

Mericle will be assisted by Gloria Harrell this spring, which allows both of them more time to work one-on-one with the players.

“Gloria bring so much to our program,” Mericle said. “She knows the ins and outs of tennis and has played the game for years. She explains, demonstrates and teaches the skills to new players in a way they understand and also how to improve the returning girls’ game, too.”

Fort Dodge opens the season this Tuesday, weather permitting, vs. Southeast Polk.

2018 FORT DODGE GIRLS TENNIS

Roster

Seniors

Raven Breiner, Carlotta Cheli, Michelle Chen, Nicolina Lunde, Beth Murman, Hannah Reynoso.

Juniors

Lizzie Baker, Sierra Bethke, Kenzie Blaha, Jeannie Boro, Jayden Burke, Danielle Chen, Brooke Erickson, Brianna Galvan, Jessica Jordison, Michaela Kaufman, Marley Lo, Desiree Pineda, Ona Roe, Grace Stackhouse, Mackenzie Steburg, Aaliyah Warland.

Sophomores

Emma Bloom, Kathryn Cochrane, Jerrie Evans, Kenzie Kofoot, Raelle Wilder, Akeylah Wilson.

Freshmen

Ellie Baedke, Reagan Black, Ava Clay, Augusta Cook, Paige Copenhaver, Emie Grove, Daisha McDonald.

Schedule

April 3 — Southeast Polk; 5 — at Marshalltown; 9 — at Ames; 12 — WDM Dowling; 17 — at DM North; 19 — at Mason City; 23 — Boone; 24 — at Ankeny; 26 — Urbandale.

May 1 — at Johnston; 3 — Ankeny Centennial.