BOUNTIFUL – The Bountiful High girls tennis team is under new guidance, and is building for the future.

First year coach Marci Campbell is just getting to know the players she has on the roster. Campbell took over the program just a few weeks ago, and she is ready to get to work.

“We’re super excited,” she said. “We’ve got a young team with three returning seniors.”

Seniors Emily Stewart, Sarah Olsen and Lauren Beck will serve as team captains this season for the Redhawks.

“All three contribute unique skills in terms of leadership,” Campbell said. “They don’t mind helping out the coaches and players.”

Campbell says the seniors’ spots in the lineup have yet to be solidified. However, it seems likely that one them will play in the first singles spot.

The Bountiful coach says there is a sophomore doubles team that will continue on in that spot this season.

In addition to the three seniors, Bountiful has seven players returning from last season. In all, there are 20 athletes in the Bountiful program this season.

Campbell said 20 athletes is more than normal to have for a single season, but the Redhawks are building for the future. She has already had an opportunity to see her team up close and personal. Bountiful competed at a preseason tournament in Cache Valley on Aug. 12. The Redhawks won their division in a tiebreaker over Mountain Crest, and have played several matches leading up to the first of September. 

The Bountiful coach says her team’s ability to pick up the sport is a strength.

“Their willingness to learn and learn quickly,” she said. “I call them scrapy. They have heart.”

As the season progresses, Campbell says it would be great to have some state qualifiers at the end of the season. However, she is taking it one step at a time.

“We want to win as many matches as possible,” she said.