Sandpoint Tennis Gears Up for a Strong 2025 Season

Sandpoint High’s varsity tennis team is gearing up for the 2025 season with high expectations. Led by Coach Kent Anderson, the Bulldogs boast returning champions like Pepper Rickert and Jacob Dawson. With enhanced facilities and experienced players, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are aiming for top finishes at state.

 

Sandpoint Tennis Gears Up for a Strong 2025 Season

The Sandpoint High School varsity tennis team is ready to take on the 2025 season with high expectations, aiming to build on last year's success and establish itself among the best in the state.

The 2025 Sandpoint High varsity tennis team. Back row, from left are head coach Kent Anderson, assistant coach Patty Aunan, Morgan Harris, Donna Tutin, Aubrey Knowles, Hannah Fisher, Pepper Rickert, Lane Harris, Jacob Dawson, Caden Martz, Joey Allen and assistant coach Geoff Klein ('04). Front row, from left are Morgan Dail, Lily Evans, Avery Thornton, Bella Bailey, Amelia Poulson, Nathan Duke, Colby Dyk, Mason Blaser and Ethan Ballard.
Photo by Max Oswald

Team Overview & Coaching Staff

Led by 17th-year head coach Kent Anderson, the Bulldogs have consistently been a competitive force. Anderson, named the 2024 Idaho State Coaches Association Coach of the Year, is joined by assistant coaches Patty Aunan, Geoff Klein (’04), Roger Alexander, and Kent Stadum.

The boys and girls squads both clinched 4A District 1-2 championships last season. The girls' team made history by winning Sandpoint High’s first-ever state championship, while the boys finished eighth at state. Now competing at the 5A level, they aim to maintain their winning momentum.

Key Players & Expectations

Girls' Team

Returning sophomore Pepper Rickert, the reigning 4A state singles champion, dominated last season without dropping a set. She has been sharpening her game through offseason tournaments and training, determined to defend her title.

Senior Aubrey Knowles, last year’s state doubles runner-up, is searching for a new partner following the graduation of Sydney Webb. While managing a knee injury, she remains optimistic about making another deep postseason run.

Coach Anderson is looking to seniors Lily Evans, Hannah Fisher, and Bella Bailey to provide leadership. Freshman Amelia Poulson is also expected to step into a key role, with Anderson noting her strong technical foundation and potential for rapid growth.

"Bella has a college-level serve, and if she can develop consistency with her groundstrokes, she’ll be a powerhouse for us," Anderson said. "Amelia is being asked to make a big leap, but she’s a solid player who has been training for years."

Boys' Team

Senior Jacob Dawson, a two-time district singles champion, is determined to improve on last year’s performance after falling in the 4A state consolation semifinals. Despite dealing with injuries in the offseason, he has been fine-tuning his strokes and mental approach for the upcoming competition.

Junior doubles duo Ethan Ballard and Nathan Duke, reigning district champions, aim for redemption after an early exit at state. Whether competing together or transitioning into singles play, they’ve been refining their serves and volleys in preparation.

With additional depth from returning players like Fisher Dail and Brennan Johnson, Sandpoint’s boys' team has set its sights on a top-three state finish.

"We’re tough, experienced, and capable of winning it all," Anderson said. "With the right combination of skill and a little luck, we can go far."

State-of-the-Art Training Facility

The James E. Russell Center has significantly enhanced Sandpoint’s training opportunities, providing a top-tier indoor space comparable to facilities used by leading high schools in Boise.

"In the past, we’d be stuck in the gym with 45 kids and limited progress," Anderson explained. "Now, we have the resources to match the top programs, which will make a big difference."

Sandpoint Tennis 2025 Schedule

• March 19 – vs. Coeur d’Alene (Home)

• March 20 – vs. Lakeland (Home)

• March 27 – vs. Moscow (Home)

• March 28-29 – @ Larry McConnell Tourney (Lewiston)

• April 8 – @ Post Falls

• April 11 – vs. Coeur d’Alene (Home)

• April 15 – @ Moscow

• April 16 – vs. Lewiston (Home)

• April 17 – @ Coeur d’Alene

• April 18-19 – @ Lewiston Elite Invite

• April 22 – @ Lake City

• April 25-26 – @ Inland Empire Tournament (Spokane)

• April 29 – @ Lewiston

• May 1 – @ Lakeland

• May 6 – vs. Coeur d’Alene (Home)

• May 8-10 – 5A IEL Regionals @ Travers Park

• May 16-17 – 5A State Championship (Boise)

With strong leadership, returning talent, and top-tier facilities, Sandpoint Tennis is poised for another thrilling season. Stay tuned for updates as the Bulldogs take the court!