Dodgers building with a deep roster
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With a roster of 26 players, Julie Astor will have options this fall when it comes to putting together a lineup for the Fort Dodge girls tennis team.
Key returning players include seven seniors: Mia Carpenter, Taylor Cote, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Teagan Loots, Taylor Martin, Evah Nostrom and Lily Sheeder. Sophomores Izzy Lara and Leah Myer are also back with experience.
"We have some very good senior leaders," Astor said. "They have a great attitude and are working hard. Many of them put in a lot of time this offseason improving their game, and that has helped us get started off on the right foot this preseason."
Astor is looking to junior Charlotte Breeser, freshmen Evie Piton, Paisley Smith, Daphne Groff and Jaxen McNeil, and eighth-grader Sydney Loots as key newcomers.
"The freshman class is huge, and they played a lot of tennis over the summer," Astor said. "They are looking to leave their mark on Dodger tennis, and I look for some of them to make an immediate impact.
"We have had a great first week of practice. The girls are all pushing each other because they know anybody can take a spot in the lineup."
Fort Dodge will have to replace state qualifier Manuela Rodriguez, as she held down the No. 1 position. Madge Hensley, who played No. 2 as a senior in 2025, also graduated.
Carpenter won four matches in the No. 3 spot last fall, Teagan Loots won five at No. 5, and Kaloupek had a pair of varsity victories a year ago.
"I think we will surprise some people this season," Astor said. "I have girls with varsity experience that will make an impact, but the younger girls are ready to step up as well. They have no fear, play with a lot of confidence, and are eager to see some (live action)."
The Dodgers open on the road at Des Moines Roosevelt Tuesday, then head to Des Moines for a triangular with Des Moines Lincoln and Ottumwa on Thursday. Their home opener is against Boone on Friday.
2026 FORT DODGE GIRLS TENNIS
Roster
Seniors – Mia Carpenter, Taylor Cote, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Teagan Loots, Taylor Martin, Evah Nostrom, Bisma Ramzan, Karly Reynolds, Lily Sheeder, Calliegh Zimmermann.
Juniors – Charlotte Breeser, Lilly Hruska.
Sophomores – Adalyn Ford, Izzy Lara, Leah Myer, Lilly Walters.
Freshmen – Onika Acosta, Matilda Breeser, Daphne Groff, Madison Le, Jaxen McNeil, Evie Piton, Ja'Nique Price, Paisley Smith, Eliana Yeoman.
Eighth-grader – Sydney Loots.
Schedule
Aug. 11 – at DM Roosevelt; 13 – at Ottumwa, DM Lincoln; 14 – Boone; 18 – DM Hoover; 21 – at Norwalk, Urbandale; 25 – Marshalltown; 27 – at Iowa Falls-Alden.
Sept. 1- DM North; 8 – Mason City; 14 – Southeast Polk; 17 – at Saydel.