Opponents beware. 

When head coach Nate Bucher and his Becker girls tennis team take the court, they bring a combination of experience and athleticism that is proving overwhelming for the opposition.  In fact, through three matches this year, they have yet to lose a single set.

“So far we’ve had a strong showing at all of our positions,” says Bucher, who is entering his sixth year at the helm.  “We’ve got some veteran players that are stepping up into new roles and a couple of new younger players that have worked hard on their game throughout the summer.”

The lineup reads like a “who’s who” of Mississippi 8 Conference players from a year ago, as the team returns seven letter winners, six of whom earned at least All Conference Honorable Mention during last year’s section championship and state tournament qualifying run.

The team is led by its quartet of senior captains: Courtney Nuest, Julia Bengtson, Alayna Lindquist and Jackie Yoerg.  Maddie Moe, Ayla Brown and Jazlyn Toedter also return after experiencing a great deal of success a year ago.  In addition, Dani Nuest is a first year player who is proving to be a solid singles player for Bucher, while the duo of Hannah Uecker and Janelle Gudim has shown a lot of poise early in the season.

As if the vast amount of experience wasn’t enough to make his team dangerous, Bucher also thinks that in a way the team benefitted from the sports restrictions that were in place throughout the summer.

“One thing that the pandemic has done is given our students more time to practice,” says the coach, who is being assisted this year by Alyssa Stevens and Hokan Bengtson.  “The tennis courts were one of the only things open during the summer and often attracted the girls to keep playing.”

When it comes to goals for the season, Bucher cautions his team to take things one day at a time with all the uncertainty that has become part of high school sports.  But at the same time, it’s hard for him to not get excited for what the team could accomplish after last year’s success in which the team dropped just one Mississippi8 conference match to Chicago Lakes before qualifying for the state tournament.

“They [Chisago] look to be a really tough team again, but we hope that we can strive to edge them out this year and win out the rest of the conference to clinch that title,” says Bucher.  “We obviously would love to make a return trip to the state tournament, but there is a big question mark looming if that will be something that happens this year.”

While the team’s talents are obvious, Bucher says he is also grateful for the help the program receives from all the coaches, including volunteer Jen Anderson and middle school coaches Gerry and Sarah Bass.

“It’s been a great group of coaches to work with in the midst of this different season,” he says.

Despite the team’s lofty goals, Bucher is quick to point out that there is more to his coaching philosophy than just wins and losses.  He also believes that character and perspective are important for the team.

“Every year I really want the girls to come away from tennis with a more rounded character and being able to put their competition in proper perspective,” says Bucher.   “Most of all I want the girls to be looked at in a positive light in relationship to their character. Whether we win or lose, I always hope that we do it with grace.”