The Macalester tennis team is hoping to make quite the ‘racquet’ as it kicks off its spring 2026 season. With a new head coach, five first-years and a fresh perspective in practice, the Scots are hopeful to serve a season of victory.
The team has been in the throes of change since last year, starting with the abrupt resignation of former coach Ted Lauer in December 2024. If a productive year is on deck for the Scots, they’ll have to keep looking towards improvement.
“I learned the importance of improving as a person and a player,” Isabella Tamburrino ’29 said. “Winning will come after that.”
Head coach Chase Johnson — who debuted his coaching position this past fall season after spending the spring as an interim — expanded on this mentality. His goal is for the team to be well-rounded, have power and consistency against their opponent, maintain calmness and confidence on the court and create a strong, supportive environment among the players and coaches alike. Johnson took these ideas to formulate a plan for the Scots during the off-season.
“I am looking for the team to improve in the big points within the match. I want [the players] to feel more confident in the plan that they will try and execute during the point… I’d [also] be looking at improving our conditioning. I want to ensure that by the end of the season we are still in good physical shape,” Johnson said.
The “big points” Johnson is striving for will come from the aggressive style he has introduced to the team. Basically, if you can get an advantage over the opponent before they have the chance to score, it improves your overall position. Establishing a powerful presence during the serve takes time away from the opponent on the court and achieves a “zero-to-four shot rally,” according to Dari Streater ’29. This opens up room for the Scots to score aggressive points in under four strokes, rather than rallying for too long and giving the opponent more opportunities to score.
The team has been receptive and grateful for Johnson’s tactics:
“[He’s] such a strong and passionate coach,” Streater said.
It’s given them pace and structure, cementing their strongest trait: teamwork. Many of the first-years weren’t sure how to attain the balance between school, sports and social life, but having a tight-knit team to fall back on has made all the difference. Macalester tennis has helped them “adjust to the bigger, scarier parts of college,” Tamburrinno said.
“I am so lucky to have such a good support system,” Streater said.
The bond between the players is admirable and will ultimately lead the team to victory. Jordan Doi ’26 shares the same appreciation for his team’s dynamic.
“I definitely like hanging out with my [teammates], even outside of tennis,” Doi said. “I’ve gotten really close with them.”
Although tennis adds more responsibility, obligation and — as a result — stress, both the team support and skills built in practice sets the Scots up for success.
“You need to bounce back from a lot of difficult situations and remain calm,” Doi said.
Tennis is not just a physical game, especially at the collegiate level; it’s a mental game, too. Exhibiting this frame of mind in practice and in class has given the seniors skills to carry on into their post-Macalester life, and first-year players tips to conquer the challenges of college. Both Tamburrino and Streater have observed their older teammates who lead by example. Savannah Haugen ’26 has a commendable temperament on the court.
“[She] is stoic. You never know what’s going on in her head,” Streater said.
The men’s team only has one senior leader— Doi—but he has risen to the occasion. Doi is not only likely to be an individual all-conference player but will also be a great teammate for Charlie Flaman ’29 to work with.
“I am hopeful that Jordan and Charlie can team up and make the all-conference team for doubles,” Johnson said.
Being named an All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player for the past three years, his knowledge and readiness will guide him to a successful close to his collegiate career, and the men’s team to a successful spring. Doi says Macalester tennis is a once-in-alifetime experience — collegiate-level athletics with an environment that values both his personal game and his place within the team.
The Scots’ season is already in full swing. Although they didn’t get the results they wanted against the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, both teams smashed the competition at Baseline Tennis Center last weekend against Edgewood College and Bethany Lutheran, reflecting early positive returns on their strategy.
In the last match against Bethany Lutheran, Streater utilized the aggressive and swift approach Johnson has drilled as she served her final point. The team cheered loud and proud as she secured the Scots a victory in women’s singles.
“I’ve seen strides in how well [everyone] competes day in and day out.” Johnson said.
A year ago, Mac tennis had a completely different spring ahead. Now with a new coach, new talent and new strategies, the Scots are equipped with everything they need to continue to strike big on the court and win.
