A few weeks before the 2025–26 school year began, fall high school sports were already getting underway. For the Copper Hills girls tennis team, the season opener was a welcome arrival. 

The Grizzlies began preparation for the season in the middle of the summer heat. Copper Hills’ players and coaches hope the grueling workouts pay dividends as the team gets ready to take on familiar Region 2 opponents Bingham, Herriman, Mountain Ridge and Riverton, along with newcomers to the league Cedar Valley and Westlake. 

“I am really excited to start the season and to see the girls' hard work in action,” head coach Lindsay Swenson said. “They are very anxious to compete.”

Copper Hills returns four varsity players from last year’s squad. Swenson is blending this experience with some talented newcomers while also building the junior varsity program. She is hoping the girls will put in the time and effort this season to get better and progress so they can be successful in their tournaments and matches. Swenson and the players are optimistic about their ability to compete every time the Grizzlies step onto the court. 

“My goals are for each player on the team to improve throughout the season and be proud of the way they play and handle themselves on the court,” Swenson said. “It's hard to know what to expect having new teams in our region, but I'm expecting some great team wins and very competitive matches.”

To be competitive in Region 2 and pick up some victories, Swenson said the girls need to learn to be mentally tough and not get rattled when the pressure gets high. She is also encouraging the players to focus on things one day and one match at a time and keep their goals in sight. Copper Hills’ players are spending time in practice improving their footwork and movement, which should help in crunch time during big matches. 

This year’s Copper Hills team has some good depth, which lets Swenson experiment with different lineups and combinations. It also gives the Grizzlies a better chance to score points in matches and move up the standings in tournaments. Swenson also spoke highly of the girls’ dedication, how coachable they are and how well they get along with one another.

“They support each other and push each other to be better,” she said. “They also have great attitudes on and off the court and work really hard.”

Sophomore Shae Swenson played No. 1 singles for the Grizzlies as a freshman and will once again take that top spot. Juniors Halle Searle, Ivy Anderson and Sage Tobler are three other talented players who will lead Copper Hills. 

“[Shae Swenson] is serving really well and already has two great wins to start the season,” Swenson said. “[Searle] has phenomenal technique and works as hard as anyone on the team. [Anderson] played singles last year but will move to No. 1 doubles. She has great energy on the court and a killer backhand. [Tobler] will join [Anderson] as our No. 1 doubles team. She has played varsity doubles for two years and has great volleys and mental toughness.” 

Swenson is eager to see what her players can do this season and how the team fares against some good competition. The region features some formidable foes and experienced, skilled tennis players. Swenson knows it’s going to take everyone’s best efforts to prevail and be successful. 

“We have some very talented players and teams in our region,” she said. “It gives us the opportunity to compete against great opponents. I'm hopeful the girls are able to play to the best of their ability in those tough matches.”