By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

Kyla Isaac no longer has the same partner from when she went to state, but she is looking to get back the magic that inspired her to succeed in 2017.

“It’s a fun challenge trying to get back,” she said. “It’s also intimidating since I don’t have my partner anymore.”

While there is no decision yet about her competing in doubles or singles, Isaac said that getting ready for a good season takes even greater mental strength than before.

“You have to be even more determined to do well accept the challenge to do better,” she said.

There is some awareness of which schools’ teams will prove the biggest challenge, but more of the focus is on personal play, Isaac said.

“Hesston is always a challenge, but I don’t usually single people out to beat,” she said. “I just try to do my best.”

One advantage is that there are 14 members this year, which gives coach Erin Hein flexibility with lineups.

“Having this number allows me to have a varsity and JV,” she said. “We’re working on adding more JV meets to our schedule so everyone gets the experience and playing time.”

Precision and ability increase with experience, but the mental game is equally important, Hein said.

“Tennis is as much a physical game as mental,” she said. “It’s things like ‘how can I get in this person’s head?’ There’s strategy in that, too.”