Join Girls Tennis!

Tennis season is coming back, and I encourage everyone to try it out! Tennis is a great outdoor activity that clears your mind and brings a lot of joy. The coaches and players have always been welcoming, friendly and uplifting. This team is positive 24/7 and we are always improving our skills since there’s always room for improvement.

Heidi Wilmott has been the girl's tennis coach for several years but sadly decided to step down. So this year there is a new coach named Emily Jepsen and the same assistant coach Cathy Farrell. I had the opportunity to ask several questions to Emily about tennis to get more information about her interest in coaching.

About Coach Jepsen

Coach Emily Jepsen explains tennis has been a part of her life since she was a child. She grew up playing with her family, throughout high school and college. She’s always enjoyed helping others learn the sport and developing a passion for playing. Knowing this Coach Jepsen has had a lot of experience with tennis and it’s had a huge impact on her life. She explained how she played frequently as a child with her family, especially in the summer. Then as she got older she played throughout high school and four years at St. Ambrose. She still continues to play regularly with her family and children.

Every sport has specific goals an individual and a team want to achieve by the end of the season. Coach Jepsen wants to provide an opportunity for each player to develop and compete while, having fun with the sport and getting to know each player.

She explains everyone is entering at different levels of experience and hopes everyone will grow individually and as a team.

Fun fact about the new coach

Her favorite players to watch when she was younger were Andre Agassi and John McEnroe: they were always entertaining to watch. Now Coach Jepsen enjoys watching and cheering on Madison Keys, who is also from the Quad Cities. Some of her other favorites are Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe. She values the energy they provide on the court and never gives up even when it’s a tough match.