Head coach Steve Bearden, entering his 20th season as STC's girls tennis coach, addresses his players before their first practice on Monday, Aug. 3.

‘Confidence’ is the buzzword around the renovated STC tennis courts these days, as the 2026 girls tennis program officially began their season this week.

‘After several seasons of fielding young, inexperienced teams, we finally should take the courts this season with confidence,’ said head coach Steve Bearden. ‘I am optimistic that we will have a successful season.’

Bearden’s optimism is warranted, as he will see his entire varsity lineup return this fall. The Trojans will be led by senior Mady Boriskey, who will continue to compete at the #1 singles spot.

Junior Ava Boldt will also return as the #2 singles players. Boriskey and Boldt teamed up in doubles play at the WaMaC conference meet last season and advanced to the semifinals to finish in fourth place.

Bearden also noted other key returnees this season.

STC senior Mady Boriskey will compete at #1 singles for STC this fall.

“Senior Grace Gomez, junior Presley Vest, and sophomores Amilia Bullshoe and Cate Hardon will bring varsity experience and round out our team’s lineup,” he said.

In addition, Bearden spoke of his excitement for a new group of players.

“I’m excited to see what (freshman) Bralynn Rohrs, (sophomore) Kendra Svacina, and (sophomore) Grace Wadey can do this season,” he said.

Another source of Bearden’s growing confidence in the season ahead is the investment the athletes have made this summer.

“We have had great attendance at summer open tennis,” the coach said. “Several of our players have also taken the initiative to attend a clinic at Cornell University, as well as attending open tennis in Ames. It is encouraging that players have invested their time to improve their skills.”

STC sophomore Catherine Hardon will return with varsity experience this season.

Official practice for the team began this past Monday morning, Aug. 3. The players and coaches were greeted by freshly resurfaced STC tennis courts, which took place earlier this summer.

“I’m excited to see the courts in much better shape,” Bearden said.

This fall will be Bearden’s 20th season at the helm of the STC girl’s tennis program and his love for the game remains strong.

“I enjoy helping players fall in love with tennis — a lifelong sport. It’s a perfect combination of developing individual skills within a team structure. I was drawn to the sport as a young student because it allowed me to compete on an individual level while engaging with teammates and competing for my school,” he said.

When asked to describe the culture that he has worked hard to develop over the last two decades, Bearden touched on the ideas of feeling valued and team unity.

STC junior Ava Boldt will compete at #2 singles for STC this fall.

“I have tried to create an environment where everyone is valued and recognized,” he said. “Early in my career, I made a change to our uniforms so that nobody is labeled as ‘varsity player’ or ‘JV player.’ We are one team — from #1 to #15. We all have the same uniform.”

He also talked about the importance of fundamentals and preparation to the program.

“I look at myself as a teacher on the court. My role is to teach the fundamentals of the sport. My goal is to always prepare players to be the best they can be. I never want players to take the court unprepared. I want to help prepare them for success,” he said.

Opportunities to cheer on the Trojans at home this season include: Aug. 18 (Grundy Center); Sept. 1 (Union); Sept. 9 (Ballard); Sept. 10 (Marion); and Sept. 14 (Independence). These competitions will take place at the STC Tennis Complex on the campus of the STC high school.

STC will compete at the annual WaMaC conference tennis meet on Sept. 17. This year’s meet will take place in Independence. Regional competition will take place in late September, with the Class 1A individual state meet taking place on Oct. 7-8 in Waukee.

STC senior Grace Gomez will return with varsity experience for the Trojans this season.

STC sophomore Amilia Bullshoe comes back this fall with varsity experience for the Trojans.