Lincoln-Way Central girls’ tennis team enters the 2025 season with significant changes following the graduation of 15 seniors from last year’s roster.
Head coach Eric Balluff said the Knights return just one starter, senior Kailyn Nakoneozny, but he believes a talented group of underclassmen is ready to step in. “We were just a point short of winning the sectional last year,” Balluff said. “That was a big goal of ours, and while we fell a little short, we had two state qualifiers and a group that played varsity for a long time. Now it’s a new era, and Kailyn is my only returning starter.”
Among the newcomers is sophomore Ava Blaze, who has impressed with her offseason commitment. According to Balluff, she is one of the team’s best hitters and is expected to make an immediate impact after moving up from junior varsity (JV).
The Knights’ goals include finishing in the top three of the conference and contending for a sectional title. Nakoneozny, who is shifting into a bigger doubles role, said she is eager to build on last season. Blaze added she hopes to win matches while enjoying the experience and forming strong team bonds.
