NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO Steve Bearden (center) is entering his 19th season as STC's head coach of girls tennis. Pictured with him Hannah Houghton (left) and Brooklyn Hitchcock (right). Houghton and Hitchcock earned a runner-up finish in #1 doubles at the WaMaC conference meet last season.

STC girls tennis head coach Steve Bearden has never seen a season quite like this one. After decades of competing in the spring, it was announced last year by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) that girls tennis would be moved to the fall. As Bearden enters this unprecedented season, he took time to talk with the News Chronicle about the change, the upcoming season, and his love for the sport.

The change

On Aug. 12, 2024, the IGHSAU announced the historic move for girls tennis to the fall sports season. They said that the move addressed ‘decades-long concerns’ from member schools over scheduling.

“Our member schools have been asking for ways to relieve the crowded spring sports seasons for years,” IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich said in a press release. “The new changes provide relief in an already busy spring.”

For Bearden, the move brings with it a number of unique challenges.

“One of the challenges this first year will be the quick turn-around from the spring,” Bearden said. “Our season ended this past May 16 and our new season begins, now, in early August.”

Bearden also noted that the new fall season is shorter overall than when tennis was in the spring.

“Our first competition is Aug. 12 and our last one will be Sept. 20. During that stretch we play twelve meets,” Bearden said.

Another difficulty connected with the change is the heat.

“The heat of August will be a challenge,” Bearden said. “We are planning to play several meets at 10:00 a.m. to avoid the hottest parts of the day.”

Navigating the timing of the start of a new school year will also be tricky for the girls tennis squad. They play their first four meets before the student’s first day of school on Monday, Aug. 25. But with all of the challenges, Bearden is keeping a positive attitude.

“I’m entering the season optimistically,” Bearden said. “I plan to experience this first fall season and, then, make adjustments.”

Among the benefits that Bearden already sees is the full use of the STC tennis complex for both the girls and boys teams. Having to share the complex in the spring until this season, the boys season will now remain in the spring, giving each squad the full complex to themselves for practice. Bearden also likes the opportunity he sees for the coaches.

“I’ll be able to collaborate with boys coach Ander Rutledge more freely and I can also volunteer for her in the spring,” he said.

Bearden has also seen good collaboration with the girls volleyball program, which also competes in the fall.

“Traditionally, South Tama has had many volleyball players also play tennis. Our coaches have collaborated to stagger practice times and we have changed the dates of tennis meets to alleviate conflicts with the volleyball schedule. We are doing everything we can to encourage players to dual sport,” he said.

The coach

Bearden gained a love for tennis from a young age.

“I tried the South Tama summer REC tennis program when I was in first grade,” Bearden said. “I fell in love with the sport and continued to participate in that through ninth grade.”

Bearden said that he also enjoyed watching tennis on television growing up, including the four major grand slams. Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe were some of his favorite stars to watch. Entering high school, Bearden played tennis for STC for four years and lettered his senior season. His love for tennis has persevered.

“I continue to play as an adult and I love to watch players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena and Venus Williams,” Bearden said.

He has led the summer REC tennis program for twenty years. When he steps on the court this August, it will be his nineteenth as the high school girls coach.

The team

As the STC girls tennis squad gets ready to go this fall, they will face the challenge of replacing a large amount of experience. Gone from the spring are graduated seniors Hannah Houghton, Brooklyn Hitchcock, Kylie Husak, and Nevaeh Mathes. The group earned three medals in the WaMaC conference meet last season, the first conference medals for STC since 2019. Hitchcock finished as runner-up at #2 singles, while Houghton and Hitchcock finished second in #1 doubles play.

“Those four girls recorded many varsity matches for the Trojans over their careers,” Bearden said. “That kind of experience will be hard to replace.”

Bearden is encouraged, however, at the prospect of this year’s squad.

“I’m hopeful to have at least two returning varsity players from last year’s team and several players from our junior varsity squad have indicated they intend to participate.”

Bearden also noted that several freshmen are interested in playing this season.

“The freshman girls have participated in the summer REC tennis program for many years,” he said. “It is great to see that program continue for our young players.”

The love of the game

You don’t have to talk to Bearden long before you realize that he exudes a love for tennis.

“I love the fact that tennis is an individual sport and, yet, it also includes a team aspect,” Bearden said.

He also demonstrates a constant enthusiasm to recruit new athletes.

“Whether you’re a beginner, returning player, or just curious about the sport, there is a place for you on the team. The best thing about tennis is that everyone plays. Every single player gets to play a match at every meet against players with a similar skill level,” Bearden said.

For those considering playing tennis, Bearden spoke to the advantages of the program.

“As a coach, I promise to make the athletes successful and do everything possible to allow them to participate in multiple activities. We can be creative and make sure your access to tennis is easy and manageable,” he said.

The STC girls tennis season will begin with practices starting on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.