Fron row, from left: Carly Gustafson, Ella Wubbena, Allison Slama, Katherine Zelaya, Madisyn Peyman, Ellena Laven, Ada Edmundson, Braelynn Bovyand Dhanvi Patel. Back row, from left: Kate Hagen, Bel Lutterman, Emelia Klanderud, Bryanna Petschke , Malana Nigon and Cadleigh Jobe.

FAIRMONT – Two words that aren’t as common at the high school athletics level are returning underclassmen. But for the 2025 Fairmont girls tennis team, head coach Laura Olsen is blessed to bring back many talented individuals with varsity experience.

Six players return to the Cardinal lineup: Emelia Klanderud, Allison Slama, Madisyn Peyman, Ella Wubbena and Carly Gustafson. All athletes have experience at the varsity level, poised to be some of the big leaders on this year’s roster.

Klanderud and Peyman have been selected as team captains, respectively.

While these returning individuals make up most of the spots on the varsity singles starting lineup, there is still plenty of room for doubles partners. Olsen calls these opportunities a “ticket into the varsity lineup.”

“I love that challenge going into the season,” Olsen said. “I love to see which kids are going to step up and who really wants that role.”

The Cardinals have more than enough experience coming back to the team. However, this year’s roster is overall on the younger side.

“We actually have a fairly young team,” Olsen said. “Of our returning six, we only have one senior. That’s exciting. We have a total of five seniors practicing with us.”

An overall younger roster may be daunting for some coaches, but Olsen sees this as an opportunity.

Olsen has seen a competitive battle between the two age groups of players. In the first week of practice, individuals are seen going as hard as possible to push for the remaining spots on the varsity roster.

“We talk about how we want our newer players to really push our returning players,” Olsen said. “At any given time, somebody might be progressing while another is not, so it’s kind of fun to see them push each other, but also push themselves.”

Overall, Olsen doesn’t have the final varsity lineup for the season. While opening week practice has given her great information, she hopes the team’s first competition this weekend can make those decisions a bit easier.

“Really, we are still looking for the lineup,” Olsen said. “It’s kind of fun to start with a try, where we try a couple of different matches, where we can try some different things, and with doubles partners, see who plays well together, what level are we playing at, where do we compete well. Really just looking to prepare for the season by trying some different lineups.”

The Cardinals open the season in New Ulm on Saturday, Aug 16. Fairmont will take on New Ulm and Le Sueur-Henderson starting at 11 a.m.