CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has released its 2025 women’s tennis preseason coaches’ poll, and Coe College has been tabbed as the preseason favorite. The Kohawks earned 62 points and six first-place votes, edging out defending regular season champion Luther College, which collected 59 points and three first-place nods. Wartburg (46 points) and Central (45 points) followed closely. 

The 2025 season officially kicks off this weekend on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 with five A-R-C teams in action. The conference slate begins on Monday, September 1 with Luther travelling to Wartburg. The conference schedule will run through Saturday, October 4. The A-R-C Women’s Tennis Individual Tournament will take place October 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as Coe College hosts. The top six teams at the conclusion of the fall regular season will advance to the spring conference tournament and the champion will receive the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Championship. 
 

2025 American Rivers Conference Women’s Tennis Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Coe (6)	62
2.	Luther (3)	59
3.	Wartburg	46
4.	Central	45
5.	Univ. of Dubuque	35
6.	Loras	29
7.	Nebraska Wesleyan	25
8.	Simpson	15
9.	Buena Vista	8

 
Under sixth-year head coach Mike Strydom, Coe College is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw them finish second in the regular season before winning the A-R-C Tournament to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Coe returns a deep and experienced roster led by reigning Conference MVP Sophia Fain, Rookie of the Year Addi Leasure, and All-Conference performers Alliandra Hagness and Alice Tysoe. With a strong nucleus and plenty of depth, the Kohawks look primed to contend once again.
 
“Preseason at Coe feels a bit like controlled chaos — rackets flying, playlists bumping, and a whole lot of hustle,” added Strydom. “But don’t let the fun fool you — this group is serious about getting better. In the 24-25' season, the ladies showed up early, stayed late, and bought into every challenge thrown at them. This culminated in a first conference tournament for the Kohawks since 2018.  We’ve got a squad that’s tough, smart, and maybe a little too competitive when it comes to who brings the best music to practice. The ladies are committed to building something special, and we can’t wait to bring that energy into the season.”

Defending regular-season champion Luther College enters 2025 with high expectations under veteran head coach Adam Strand, who begins his 15th season at the helm. The Norse posted an 8-0 A-R-C mark last fall and return five All-Conference players in Julia Moreno, Abby Ostermann, Lena Lichau, Jay Mascardo, and Allie Christensen. Luther will rely on its proven upperclassmen and depth to challenge for another title.

“We are excited for the upcoming season and look forward to another competitive year in the American Rivers Conference," wrote Strand.

The Wartburg College Knights tied for third in 2024 and finished with an 18-10 overall record. Head coach Chris Gustas returns several experienced players, including Brooke Bloom, Tori Johnson, Morgan Kathman, Lily Schreckengast, and Reese Williams. While All-Conference performers Natalie Kaiser and Emma Thurness have graduated, Wartburg expects new faces to step up in a competitive lineup.
 
“So many new roles for players to step into here in terms of on court performance and critical culture builders,” said Gustas. “While we’ve graduated our all-conference performers, we return a great deal of experience and expect to see some new faces in this lineup as well due to last year's development. The A-R-C looks like it’ll provide some great competition, and once again, we’ll head into several meets knowing we need to play well to win that day. I’ve got confidence in this group to get it done.’

Central College return a veteran group for head coach Ryun Ferrell. Madi Whalen, Jenna Mahoney, and Lauren Gano lead the charge, with each earning All-Conference honors in 2024. With five returning starters and an influx of new talent, Central looks poised for another strong season.

“We have a lot of new players that are going to be on the roster this year,” said Ferrell. “With as many returners we have, it should prove to be a solid year for the Dutch.”

Third-year head coach Chad Fenwick has the University of Dubuque trending upward following an 11-9 overall record in 2024. UD returns All-Conference performers Molly Jex, Adriana Benevente, and Sarah Wilde, giving the team a young but talented core. With more experience under their belts, the Spartans aim to climb in the standings.

“We are excited about the potential of our young team,” added Fenwick. “I feel like we are capable of being more competitive in the conference this year.”

The Loras College Duhawks return three key players in Mary Breitbach, Ellie Kalina, and Alexis Tatum. Breitbach earned All-Conference honors last season, while head coach Cam Long welcomes six newcomers to the program. With a blend of experience and new energy, Loras looks to stay competitive in the A-R-C race.

"This year will be much different than the past couple seasons with the large number of players we graduated and the six new players we bring into the team,” wrote Long. “I am looking forward to seeing their growth as the season progresses and believe we can be competitive in the conference once again.”

Nebraska Wesleyan University enters the year under fifth-year head coach Lee Steinbrook and bring back a veteran group, including seniors Crystal Craft, Caitlin Hudson, and Gracey Smith, as well as junior Parker Brown. While NWU lost All-Conference performers Anna Burt and Addi Duranski, the largest roster in program history provides promising depth.

“With the biggest roster we have ever had, we are looking for a nice mix of new players to pair with our returning veterans, to again be in the mix to make the postseason,” said Steinbrook.

Head coach Nicole Berger enters her second season with an optimistic squad that returns Grace Peck, Coilee Hynek, and Savanah Walls for Simpson College. Despite a rebuilding year in 2024, the Storm aim to make strides behind a group that Berger praises for its passion, work ethic, and drive.

“I am super excited about the passion for tennis, work ethic to improve, and drive to play their best each player has as we start the 2025 season!” added Berger. 

Seventh-year head coach Dan Taylor leads a young Buena Vista University squad looking to gain experience and improve on last year’s performance. BVU returns key players Taylor Fritz, Fiona Astleford, and Allison Cook to anchor the lineup as the team continues building in A-R-C play.

"We will be young but excited to battle in the A-R-C,” said Taylor.