Head Coach Rich Francey
Assistant Coach Jason Boe

STATE CHAMPIONS!

The Rowland Hall girls tennis team concluded the fall 2025 season with exceptional competitive results, meaningful individual growth, and a strengthened team culture that reflects the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Led by Coach Rich Francey, the Winged Lions continued to develop a blend of technical skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that made this season one of the program’s strongest in recent years.

From the first practice to the final postseason match, the athletes embraced a unified mission: improve daily, compete confidently, and support one another. Veteran players modeled leadership and consistency, while new members elevated the group with enthusiasm and determination. Training throughout the fall focused on point construction, footwork, mental toughness, and doubles strategy, areas in which the team showed clear progress over the course of the season.

Coach Francey framed the season’s goals early: “Our aim isn’t only to produce strong tennis players. It’s to build resilient, thoughtful competitors who trust each other and compete with heart.” That mindset became the defining element of the season.

The varsity team delivered a powerhouse season culminating in an outstanding performance at the Region 17 Tournament and the UHSAA 3A State Tournament, where Rowland Hall captured the team state championship with 58 points.

Individual & Doubles Highlights

• Scarlett Corey: 1st Singles state champion, winning an impressive comeback final (3-6, 7-5, 6-2)
• Avalon O’Connell: 2nd Singles state champion, dominating her final 6-1, 6-0
• Jane Borst and Savanna O’Connell: A reliable and increasingly synchronized doubles team that earned significant state points, highlighted by strong strategic play and consistent shot-making throughout the tournament
• Ada Tyser and Mae Wakefield: Earned 2nd place with a close three-set final
• Fiona Kean: Won a region title at 3 Singles

These top-of-the-lineup performances were integral to securing the team title, but Rowland Hall’s strength extended far deeper than just the championship courts

Three athletes—Mackenzie Boyer, Izzy Utgaard, and Annika Boe—all earned varsity letters for their contributions, dedication, and competitive readiness.

The junior varsity team played an essential role in the program’s success, developing future varsity contributors and elevating the competitive environment every day.

JV Tournament Champion: June Lasater
June Lasater delivered one of the JV program’s biggest accomplishments by winning the 2025 JV Tournament Championship. Her composed play, thoughtful point construction, and exceptional consistency allowed her to prevail through multiple challenging rounds.

The JV roster demonstrated impressive improvement and enthusiasm throughout the fall:

• Chloe Llewellyn
• Sarah Rayes
• Grace Song
• Samantha Wright
• Mia Zhang

The Rowland Hall community (families, faculty, classmates, and alumni) provided steady support throughout the season. Home matches were filled with encouragement, and team traditions continued to build bonds across grade levels. Also, huge contributions made by Assistant Coach Jason Boe and Student Manager Duke O’Neil throughout the season definitely contributed to the overall success of the team.

A senior summed it up well: “We play for each other, and for the people who coach and support us. That’s what makes Rowland Hall tennis special.” This culture of mutual respect, sportsmanship, and collective pride is the cornerstone of the program.

With multiple returning state champions, a strong class of varsity letter-earners, and a promising group of JV standouts, the future of Rowland Hall Girls Tennis is exceptionally bright!

Members of Girls Tennis:
Fatima Asad
Aanika Boe
Jane Borst
Mackenzie Boyer
Scarlett Corey
Fiona Kean
June Lasater
Chloe Llewellyn
Avalon O’Connell
Savanna O’Connell
Sarah Rayes
Grace Song
Ada Tyser
Isabella Utgaard
Mae Wakefield
Samantha Wright
Mia Zhang