Coupeville Sports

Brynn Parker is one of five returning players for CHS tennis. (Photo courtesy Corinn Parker)

If you build it, they will get to play on it … eventually.

When the Coupeville High School girls’ tennis team opens its season Mar. 21 against Anacortes, it will be the first time the Wolves will play a match at home since spring 2023.

Between then and now, the school moved its courts from next to the bus barn across the street and next to the CHS gym.

Bad weather at the time delayed the building process, sending the Wolf netters on the road for every contest last spring.

With the CHS boys’ tennis program having shut down several years back after losing a numbers battle, the Anacortes match will be the first-time players in red and black will be back in official action on their own playing surfaces.

Tenley Stuurmans is back and ready for another state run. (Photo courtesy Scott Stuurmans)

Leading the way will be freshman Tenley Stuurmans, who advanced to the state tourney as an 8th grader, while playing tennis for the first time.

She held up well in her two matches in Yakima against veteran foes, taking a set and almost advancing to day #2 of the championships.

Back for another run at glory, Stuurmans will be joined by fellow returning players Brynn Parker, Delanie Lewis, Kauri Hamilton, and Sofia Phay.

Kauri Hamilton is a seasoned vet on the court. (Andrew Williams photo)

In a hugely encouraging note, Wolf coaches Tim Stelling and Starla Seal have added 10 newcomers to the roster, ranging from 8th graders to seniors.

The expanded squad will compete against Friday Harbor for a Northwest 2B/1B League crown, playing four times, while also clashing with bigger schools such as South Whidbey, Anacortes, King’s, and Granite Falls across a 10-match schedule.

With expanded numbers, and a chance to play matches at home, the Wolf coaches are excited to welcome spring on the often-windswept prairie.

“Goals for this season are embracing growth and development establishment!” Seal said.

“Our biggest strength is the positive energy all of the girls have had from the first day of practice! They are vibing and have a fun and strong and positive learning mindset!”

With double digit roster numbers again, Coupeville will be able to fill out a complete slate once again when it comes time to play matches.

“Areas of growth are establishing two more doubles teams,” Seal said. “We have a lot of new players and hence the establishment of our team is a goal.

“Otherwise, I’m very happy and excited for our season and new courts!”