Kovaleski gearing up for senior season

Tippecanoe girls tennis player Bre Kovaleski knows her time is now. The senior is gearing up for what she hopes is her best season yet. With the success the Red Devils have enjoyed on the courts, her expectations are high for a memorable final year in red and white.

“I'm really excited for the upcoming girls tennis season with the girls,” Kovaleski said. “I know several girls including myself have been putting in a lot of hard work during the off-season, and I think this year has the potential to be one of our best.” “There's a lot of commitment, talent, and heart on this team, and I’m so proud about our girls getting closer as a group.”

She has worked hard to prepare for the upcoming season, and she feels the incredible tradition should continue this season. “One of the things I'm most looking forward to is seeing how much we've all improved—both individually, as a team, and mentally,” she said. “We have a strong mix of returning players and some really promising freshmen so I think we’ll be very competitive this season.”

“As for my own goals, I’m focused on improving my mental toughness during matches. I want to be a strong leader for the team, give it my all, provide optimism and reassurance and hopefully help us go far in the postseason.  I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.” In preparation for her senior season, Kovaleski has been working on her weaknesses and improving her consistency with a lot of time on the area courts.

“During the winter season many of the last year varsity girls got moved up to our Clubs Elite class,” she said. “During the summer I took classes, went to several private lessons and played on the STC Junior Tennis team which played weekly matches. Every coach that works at Schroeders has been nothing but helpful in helping me get ready to succeed in the upcoming season.” But like any senior, it is about making great memories and being a quality leader, and those are things that Kovaleski plans to do this fall.

"Now that I’m a senior, I absolutely expect to take on a bigger leadership role both on and off the court,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learned from some great upperclassmen, and my experience last year being a captain. I know I want to be the kind of leader who leads by example—whether that’s through my work ethic in practice, staying positive during tough games, or supporting my teammates when they need it.” “Off the court, I’m also focused on helping build a strong team culture where everyone feels connected and motivated. As for my final season with the Red Devils, I’m honestly really excited. It’s bittersweet knowing it’s my last, but I’m ready to give everything I have and I'm so thankful that I'll get to have one last stretch with these girls. We have a talented group, and I truly believe we can do something special this year. I want to make the most of every moment, leave it all out there, and hopefully leave a legacy the younger players can build on."

Kovaleski was all-conference last season, and it was a nice honor according to the senior. But her teams success is what she is focusing on and making a long tournament run.

"Being all-conference last year was a great honor, but this season, my mindset is all about the team and making a deep tournament run last year… I sadly lost in the last round that would have taken me to districts,” she said. “Personally for my final year I would love to make it there. However both our doubles teams and our first singles made it to district and I have full faith that if they set their hearts on it they can make the state tournament.” “To get there, it’s going to take a complete team effort. We have to stay locked in every single day. Consistency, discipline, and playing unselfish will be key.”

“For me personally, I’m focused on being the most complete player I can be—leading vocally, bringing energy every night, and doing whatever the team needs. I truly believe this can be my best year yet, not just because of personal stats, but because of the impact I can have on helping my team reach that next level. We’re ecstatic, we’re motivated, and we’re ready to put in the work to make this season unforgettable."

Kovaleski looks to possibly play at the next level and has been in contact with Division 2 and 3 colleges in Ohio and Michigan.