The highly anticipated 2025 girls’ tennis season is on the horizon, promising both excitement and significant challenges for the Milton Red Hawks under the guidance of head coach Ryan Ooms. As the team gears up for their season opener at Palmer Park in Janesville, anticipation builds around a largely new roster set to make its debut.
This upcoming season marks a notable shift for the Red Hawks, who will be fielding an almost entirely new lineup, even younger than their 2024 predecessors. This youthful composition introduces an intriguing dynamic, setting the stage for a period of intense growth and strategic development on the courts.
Coach Ooms, a seasoned observer of high school sports talent, views this youthful inflection point as a unique opportunity rather than a hindrance. His expectations are firmly rooted in fostering significant individual and collective improvement throughout the demanding schedule that lies ahead for these young athletes.
A critical aspect of the youth sports development philosophy embraced by the Milton coaching staff will be evident as the season progresses. The emphasis will be placed not just on wins and losses, but on nurturing fundamental skills, strategic thinking, and the mental fortitude required for competitive girls tennis at this level.
Among the promising talents to watch are sophomores Camryn Reynolds and Reanne Gilbert. Their previous season as freshmen saw them achieve the uncommon feat of advancing to Day 2 of the conference tournament, a testament to their early potential and dedication.
This remarkable accomplishment, highlighted by Coach Ooms, underscores the nascent talent within the Milton Red Hawks program. It serves as a strong indicator that even with a predominantly young team, there is a core of players capable of surprising performances and setting a high bar for their peers.
The remaining spots on the roster are slated to be filled by incoming freshmen, further solidifying the team’s youthful identity. This infusion of new blood is expected to bring fresh energy and an eagerness to learn and compete, crucial elements for any developing athletic program.
Despite the inherent challenges associated with a young squad, Coach Ooms maintains an ambitious outlook for the 2025 tennis season. He has clearly articulated his intent to push the team rigorously, setting a formidable goal of achieving a winning record, a testament to his belief in their potential in Wisconsin tennis.
The season opener on Saturday, August 30, at 8:30 a.m. in Janesville will provide the first glimpse of this evolving Milton Red Hawks squad. All eyes will be on how this new generation of players begins their journey, poised to make their mark in the competitive landscape of high school sports.