In 2021, Spalding Girls’ Varsity Tennis won the IAAM B Conference Championships and moved up to the A Conference. A more competitive conference has offered chances to play against more challenging competition such as Severn, Mount de Sales, Bryn Mawr, McDonogh, Notre Dame Prep, St. Paul’s, Roland Park, and Garrison Forest. 

Highlights from the season included Varsity and JV defeating Mount de Sales 5-0 and 4-1. In addition, the girls’ senior night included the team’s 13 seniors who were honored for their commitment to the team throughout their four years at Spalding. 

Amanda Anderson ‘23 and Maddy Miller ‘23 shared their thoughts on their final season with Spalding Tennis. They described the season as “exhilarating and fun” and expressed that the team did really well at building friendships and coming together despite not having home courts. 

“Since I have been at Spalding, we have stressed sportsmanship in every aspect of the team (practices in addition to matches). In our first match, Riley Warren hurt her leg and was in pain.  In consultation with the Bryn Mawr trainer, she continued to play and won her match at #1 singles. The Bryn Mawr coach awarded Riley a “Character Coin” for her tenacity and toughness.” -Coach Jon Jacobson

Coach Jacobson, the girls’ tennis coach of Spalding for 8 years, led the team with the goals of working hard and being competitive in every match. Jacobson noted some standout players including starters Riley Warren, Sophie Wood, Christina Zielinski, Amanda Anderson, Ansley Schumacher, Sara Buckley, Ella Heine, and Ella Matton. Six of these starters will graduate in the spring, but Coach Jacobson looks forward to having members of the strong JV team to step up to varsity next year.