Sep. 2—Head coach: Derek Johnson

Assistant coaches: Nick Lind, Tom Proulx, Samantha Erkkila and Adam Blesener

Returning starters: Ella Chartier, Riley Goranson, Emilie Mattinen, Addison Ranta and Paige Goranson.

New faces: Eryka Moran, Emma Parks, Ellie Krube and Madison Erickson.

Who do you expect to be impact players and leaders this year?

"Our captains Ella (Chartier) and Paige (Goranson) will have a big influence off the court with the girls," Johnson said. "They've been great throughout the summer and will continue during the season."

What are the strengths of this year's team?

"We have good numbers," Johnson said. "We have 43 girls (grades) 7-12 and 10 of them are junior high, which is promising for the future."

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for this year's team?

"The biggest challenge is court space this year," Johnson said. "We have 43 girls and are practicing on two city courts (eight new courts being built at the Cloquet High School). I have the team divided into three groups that practice for one hour each. All 25 of our matches are on the road this year. There will be a lot of traveling. Some matches are two or three matches in a day at one site."

What are the goals or expectations for this year's team?

"I have 20 new players this year, both you and old," Johnson said. "I'm hoping they enjoy the game of tennis and learn and grow each day they're on the court."