Diane Baker Roberts looks over the new tennis courts at Carson High and can't help but like what she sees.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" asked Roberts, the new CHS athletic director, who's staying on as Carson's girls tennis coach. "That's nice, that's really nice."
With the eight new courts at Carson, which the boys and girls tennis teams have already begun to use, the Senators will no longer have to travel to Centennial Park for practice and matches. Along with their new courts, the Carson teams also remain large in numbers. There are about 80 players in this year's program, with about 40 players on both the boys and girls teams. "They all want to be here obviously," Roberts said.
Roberts also likes what she sees in this year's team. While Roberts lost some experienced players from last year's squad that made it to the Northern 4A playoffs, she said she believes the level of play on this year's team should be just as high if not higher. Carson has a strong nucleus of players returning along with several players who have been in the program who should be ready to step up and fill the vacancies left by those who graduated.
"I don't see us losing any different matches because of that," said Roberts about her team maintaining its level of play despite the losses to graduation. "We have some great girls," Roberts said. "We're hitting harder. It will be a fun group."
Roberts also said the commitment level of the players is higher than it has been in the past.
The Senators will have plenty of senior leadership this year, adding that many of the seniors give it their all in the way they hustle on the court. Among them who are returning are Lisa Midboe, Meagan Carter, Kristin Charles, Emily Wang, Elise Hansen, Destiny Casci and Elizabeth Gohr.
Roberts said Gohr and Midboe will play singles while Charles can fill in at singles or doubles. "Kristin Charles is going to help us anywhere," Roberts said.
She also said she would like to set her doubles lineup as soon as possible. "It would be nice to get your doubles set and playing all the time," Roberts said.
Another player who should challenge to be in the lineup is Christa Casci, an outstanding athlete, who has been a standout for Carson's softball team her first two years as a freshman and sophomore.
Roberts also expects contributions from some of her younger players saying they "might be surprises." In addition, she said she believes there are freshmen who "I think are going to put a threat to the veterans."
Another outstanding athlete, freshman Hannah Shaw, should be among those who have a chance to crack the lineup. Another freshman who has a chance is Alyssa Corda. Among the younger who should be given a chance to contribute as well is sophomore Tiffany Moore.
Carson will open the season on Tuesday at home against Truckee. "Truckee's a big match for us," Roberts said.
Roberts said that Reno High and South Tahoe should again be the teams to beat in the Sierra League.