After matching the longest postseason run in program history, the DeKalb County Lady Tigers girls tennis team is setting their sights on doing it again, and maybe going even further.
DeKalb’s appearance in the regional championship marked a milestone moment for the program. The Lady Tigers closed the year with a 10-5 overall record, including a 6-1 mark in true road matches. For head coach Brian Cadle, that success was not accidental. It was the product of months of commitment.
“The investment of time and effort and travel and the cost of tournaments, the girls really bought in to the year-long vision of not putting up the racket,” Cadle said.
DeKalb opened with six of its first seven matches away from district competition, going 4-2 during that demanding stretch. Cadle said the schedule was intentional, with his belief challenging his team against strong, unfamiliar opponents helps sharpen their edge before district play begins.
“It really gives the kids a chance to see top level competition at an early stage,” Cadle said. “Having that high standard set there at the beginning of the season just really gives us something to shoot for as we progress on into the other matches.”
Cadle said he noticed the team’s confidence and cohesion grow with each road trip. Long bus rides and competitive matchups created a bond that carried DeKalb County all the way to the regional championship round.
Now, the Lady Tigers return nearly their entire roster, losing one senior from last spring’s squad. Cadle said that continuity gives DeKalb County both experience and belief entering the new season.
“My girls team, and the boys team, have just really bought into just the continual play and the continual training of tennis,” Cadle said.
DeKalb County started their season Tuesday on the road against Cookeville. Four of their first seven matchups this season will see the Tigers on the road before hosting their DeKalb Invitational beginning March 13th.
