Kirt Manion
kmanion@cherryroad.com

With a young group of 17 athletes, the Nebraska City tennis team will seek to build skill and develop a love for the game during its 2025 season.
Susan Kincaid is the lone varsity returner from 2024.
Other players to watch include Mia Valquier, a junior, who played some varsity exhibition matches in the past, and Elizabeth Poggemeyer, who is returning to the team this season after having to sit out the last couple of years with injury.
Coach Victoria Ward said she expects Poggemeyer will have a great impact on the team this season.
While winning is every team’s ultimate goal, laying a foundation for all the players will be a big focus for the Pioneer tennis team.
“As the coach of a young, beginner tennis team, our main goals this season are to help the players develop their basic skills, like forehands, backhands, and keeping rallies going,” said Coach Ward. “We also focus a lot on teamwork and communication, as well as teaching good sportsmanship both on and off the court.
“Physical fitness and mental toughness are key areas we’re working on, along with helping the players understand the rules and strategies of the game,” Ward said. “Ultimately, we want the players to have fun, set personal goals, and celebrate their progress as they build a lasting love for tennis.”
The Pioneers will open the season on March 28 on the home courts at Steinhart Park with an invitational tournament. Other teams at the event are Omaha Bryan, Omaha Benson and South Sioux City.
Looking down the schedule, Coach Ward said the Pioneers are excited to match against Beatrice noting that her players always seem to enjoy matches against the Orange.