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Aaron Chalstrom wasn't in his familiar green and white this time as he experienced a successful tennis postseason at Dodger Courts.
Chalstrom, a former state singles champion for St. Edmond, led the West Des Moines Dowling girls to a clean sweep at a Class 2A regional meet here on Wednesday.
The Maroons had all four qualifying spots from the meet, as Allison Szalay won singles and Kenzie Klein and Ava Petersen doubles. Szalay bested teammate Ellie Sackett in the finals, while Klein and Petersen topped teammates Isa Valverde and Grace Frye.
"To qualify our whole team is pretty special," Chalstrom said. "They have worked very hard this season and they take confidence in that preparation. I think what we are most proud of is how they support each other. They genuinely want to see each other succeed. We're excited for the rest of the season."
Chalstrom, a four-time qualifier himself for the Gaels who earned three runner-up finishes before winning it all as a senior, is in his first season as head coach of Dowling. The Maroons are ranked first in 2A.
"It was just fun being back on my home courts," Chalstrom said. "I explained to our team how I grew up literally across the street from Dodger courts. That's why I got into tennis and they thought it was pretty cool for me to be back.
"It was great having quite a few friends stop by to watch our team. (Fort Dodge head coach) Martha (Mericle) and (FDSH activities director) Josh (Porter) were great hosts. We are just really proud of our girls."
Meadow Balkenende, a senior, finished fourth in singles for the Dodgers, going 2-2 on the day. Lily Kolacia and Ashlyn Headlee went 1-2 in doubles, while Emily Goodner and Ellie White went 0-1.
Tabitha Teske went 1-1 in the singles draw.
"I'm super proud of the girls," Mericle said. "Meadow really battled and played great tennis. She fought until the end. We were matched up with some tough teams and got some tough draws."
Fort Dodge will head to Sioux City North on Saturday for team regionals, with the winner advancing to meet West Des Moines Valley. The Tigers are coached by former St. Edmond state champion Mike Conlon.
Valley qualified Claire Gu in singles along with the doubles teams of Elaine Wang and Maddie Hockmuth and Izumi Brown and Allison Rickert for individual state, which takes place May 27-28 in Waukee.
Dowling will face either Des Moines East or Waukee on Monday in regional action.