New coach takes over program on upswing

Ellen Fussy is taking over as head coach of a program on the upswing.

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In the last three years the Brainerd Warriors have won three Central Lakes Conference titles and have gone 27-1 in CLC dual meets, 42-7 overall.

Fussy replaces Marnie Whalen, who resigned following last season.

"I think we're moving in the right direction," said Fussy, a long-time assistant in the program. "We're battling each other for positions, and that makes us stronger as a team. We have 16 girls who want to be one of 10 playing varsity positions. They know pushing each other in practice will make us stronger.

Captains of the Brainerd Warriors tennis team include Taylor Headlee (left), Katie Southard, Kylee Kunde and Zoe Houle. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls» Purchase reprints of this photo.

"I think the secret for me as a coach is to make sure we get good chemistry between doubles teams. We don't have a returning doubles team, per se. I'm pretty confident our singles will be able to get us points, and we can always get a doubles point or two.

"We have a lot of kids coming back who played hard all summer. The key to tennis is putting in the hours in the summertime. That shows in the fall."

The Warriors are strongest initially at singles where Taylor Headlee (No. 1) and Mikinzee Salo (No. 2) return. Headlee was 10-0 in the CLC last year, 26-9 overall. She finished third in the subsection and lost her only match in the section.

Salo was 31-6, won the subsection title and placed fourth in the section. She also was 10-0 in conference play.

"Taylor has developed into a real nice player," Fussy said. "She worked hard on her game all summer. Her game looks really strong. She's going to be that much better because Mikinzee is pushing her. Mikinzee is not far behind Taylor. We might see some switching between No. 1 and No. 2. Nothing's in stone. They're both good. They're pushing each other."

Zoe Houle, the only returning doubles player, went 26-7 last fall. She teamed with the graduated Emily Nelson to finish third in the subsection before they lost their only section match.

BHS girls at a glance

Head coach: Ellen Fussy, first season

2008 finish: 9-1 in CLC, 10-4 overall.

Captains: Taylor Headlee, Zoe Houle, Kylee Kunde, Katie Southard

Assistant coach: Chuck Whalen

Sam Kletscher, Kylee Kunde and Katie Southard played some doubles last season. Kletscher and Southard played in the subsection team tournament.

"We've got a good, strong doubles player in Zoe Houle," Fussy said. "Right now it's finding the right mix and chemistry, who will be that second player in the No. 1 position. We've got 5-6 girls who could step up. We'll look to see where the chemistry flows well between partners."

Mackala Headlee, who played in last year's subsection team tournament, and Brianna Rademacher are in the running to play the other two singles positions, along with Courtney Tusler, who played in the subsection team tournament.

"Mackala and Brianna battled it out in a 3-setter (Tuesday)," Fussy said. "We'll have a battle at 1-2-3-4 all year, which will make our team stronger."

Fussy, a physical education teacher, plans to have the Warriors in the best condition they have been in years.

"I handed out a conditioning packet the girls could work on over the summer," she said. "Some of them came in ready to go, some not so much, but they're working hard. We're doing quick feet drills at the end of practice, and we do a mile run every day. The girls are rising to the occasion.

"My philosophy is the stronger you are physically it will make you stronger mentally. Tennis is physical and mental, you need both, as most sports do. The girls are buying into the program, which makes it more fun to work with kids who are working hard."

Brainerd is scheduled to open Thursday at the Delano tournament, which includes Orono, Buffalo, St. Paul Harding, Staples-Motley, Maple Grove and South St. Paul.

"It will be a good warm-up to the season," Fussy said. "We'll see some Twin Cities teams. A lot of Twin Cities girls play all winter on indoor courts. It will be fun to see how an outstate team matches up against them.

"It will be a nice warm-up for our Camp Lake Hubert tournament on Monday (which includes Blaine, Bemidji, Delano, Virginia and Champlin Park.

"In my estimation I see us being as strong, or stronger, than last year's team. I'm really optimistic. The kids are working hard. I'm pleased with the girls' effort and their willingness to show up and be present on the court. They're working hard every day, and usually hard work pays off."

Warriors roster

Seniors: Taylor Headlee, Zoe Houle, Sam Kletscher, Kylee Kunde, Katie Southard, Jinna Toft, Kathryn Chandler

Junior: Courtney Tusler

Sophomores: Mackala Headlee, Nicole Gervenak, Kayla Kraemer, Brianna Rademacher, Mikinzee Salo, Mara Williams, Alex Williamson, Zoe Wolhart

MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.

BHS schedule

Aug. 27, at Delano 9 a.m.

Aug. 31, Camp Lake Hubert Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 1, at Rocori 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 3, Alexandria 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 8, Rocori 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 10, Fergus Falls 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 12, Brainerd Invite 9 a.m.

Sept. 15, St. Cloud Apollo 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17, at Willmar 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 22, at Alexandria 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24, Moorhead 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 26, Conference tournament at St. Cloud Apollo 9 a.m.

Sept. 28, at Aitkin 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 1, Little Falls 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 6, at St. Cloud Tech 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 8, Sartell/SR-R 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 10, Subsection team

Oct. 12, Subsection team

Oct. 13-14, Subsection individual

Oct. 20, Section team

Oct. 21, Section Individual