H.S. Girls' Tennis Teams Gear Up for 2026 Season

Preview capsules highlight key returnees and newcomers across the Eastern Connecticut Conference

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:00pm

A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes that abstractly represent the dynamic movements and action of a high school girls' tennis match.A cubist interpretation of the energy and movement of a high school girls' tennis match, capturing the sport's competitive spirit through a fragmented, geometric lens.New London Today

The 2026 high school girls' tennis season is set to kick off, with teams across the Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) gearing up for the upcoming campaign. Preview capsules highlight the key returnees and top newcomers for each squad, setting the stage for an exciting year of competition on the courts.

Why it matters

High school sports, including girls' tennis, play an important role in the local community, providing opportunities for student-athletes to develop their skills, build camaraderie, and represent their schools. These preview capsules offer a glimpse into the talent and potential of the ECC's girls' tennis programs, generating anticipation for the season ahead.

The details

The ECC is divided into three divisions for girls' tennis, with East Lyme, Fitch, Stonington, and Waterford competing in Division I, Ledyard and NFA in Division II, and Lyman Memorial, Montville, New London, and the cooperative team of St. Bernard/Wheeler in Division III. Each team has a mix of experienced returnees and promising newcomers, setting the stage for an exciting season of competition.

  • The 2026 high school girls' tennis season is set to begin in the spring of 2026.

The players

Jennifer Brush

The second-year head coach of the East Lyme Vikings girls' tennis team.

Todd Higgins

The 26th-year head coach of the Fitch Falcons girls' tennis team.

George Crouse

The 39th-year head coach of the Stonington Bears girls' tennis team.

Ed Kolnaski

The 12th-year head coach of the Waterford Lancers girls' tennis team.

Jim Hazlin

The first-year head coach of the Ledyard Colonels girls' tennis team.

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What they’re saying

“This is a skilled, determined team that truly supports one another and is ready for the challenge.”

— Jennifer Brush, Head Coach, East Lyme Vikings

“We look to be competitive and challenge for the top spot in Division I, with a strong group of returning starters.”

— Todd Higgins, Head Coach, Fitch Falcons

“This season, more than half of our players are newcomers, providing a prime opportunity to integrate fresh talent with our seasoned veterans.”

— Allie Field, Head Coach, Lyman Memorial

“We're hoping for a strong season. We're excited about the Wheeler girls joining our program.”

— Kerrie Axt, Head Coach, St. Bernard/Wheeler

“With eight of 10 starters returning from last year's 16-3 team, we expect to have another strong year and contend for the Shoreline Conference title.”

— Joe Trausch, Head Coach, Old Lyme

What’s next

The 2026 high school girls' tennis season will officially begin in the spring, with teams across the ECC competing for division titles and a chance to advance to the state tournament.

The takeaway

The 2026 high school girls' tennis season promises to be an exciting one, with a mix of experienced returnees and promising newcomers across the ECC. Coaches are optimistic about their teams' potential, setting the stage for a competitive and entertaining year of tennis action.