SYCAMORE – Not only does new Sycamore girls tennis coach Jen O’Sullivan take over the program from a coach who was there for more than 30 years, she does it as the Spartans come off one of their most successful seasons.

Not only is coach Dave Hillmer gone, but five of the record six girls who qualified for state last year graduated as well. Only Luarynn Mize, who was on a doubles team with Jackie Cole last year, returns.

O’Sullivan mentioned that Hillmer has been a huge help in the process of preparing for the upcoming season.

“Coach Hillmer has been so supportive,” she siad. “He built this program, so he is a natural go-to person.”

O’Sullivan also mentioned that one of the keys to success is to stay true to the tradition of Sycamore tennis.

“It is an incredible honor to follow in the footsteps of coach Hillmer as I take my nearly lifelong love of tennis to a whole new level,” O’Sullivan said.

After a record-tying 17 dual wins last year, the Spartans bring back five seniors in Sarah Geoghegan, Kiyas Kousoulas, Emily McConnell-Hatch, Mize, and Ellie Wilson along with returning junior standout Brooklyn Scott.

Sycamore adds a few new faces to the squad as well as they bring in Kate Majerus and Haley Spiewak, who O’Sullivan are two of the strong athletes brought on from the junior class. Rachel Johnson is a newcomer to varsity and they add Sky Gonia, a senior transfer from Elgin.

The new-look Spartans look to continue the Sycamore tennis tradition and build off of what is already a storied program,

“My message to the team is simple – I love tennis. That’s why I am here,” O’Sullivan said. “They love tennis and that’s why they are here. When you love something, the objectives I’ve laid before them are pretty straightforward and attainable; we will work to win, we will be fair, we will communicate, and most of all, we will have fun.”

DeKalb High School

Last year: 8-11

Top returners: Karissa Olsen, sr., Meghan Hanson, sr., Emma Young, sr., Alyse Mommer, sr.

Key newcomers: Hui Zhu, jr., Joy Kewih, jr.

Coach Bjelk’s comments: “We are all excited and motivated to be back on the courts. Already the girls have been working very hard in practice so I expect that their skills will continue to progress as they gain experience during the season. Our first match is August 23 vs. Hononegah which is a strong non-conference school then we immediately start conference matches the 24th at Rochelle. If we continue to work as hard as we have been already the girls will be ready to play their best tennis each and every match and I’m confident that this season will be a fun and successful one.”

The lowdown: The Barbs will look to improve upon their 8-11 record from last year, with the addition of Hui Zhu, Joy Kewih and the four returning seniors Bjelk said he had high hopes.

Kaneland High School

Last year: Last year’s record: Right around .500. I think we actually finished the season at .500. It looks like a 6-6 dual meet record. (This is all he gave me, I’m pretty sure I need an actual record. Not quite sure if this will suffice.)

Top returners: Seniors-Lauren Karolewicz, sr., Marley Schultz, sr., Abby Purnell, sr., Erin McMullen, sr., Haley Plach, soph.

Key newcomers: Ana Mandele, jr., Ingrid Napiorkowski, jr., Anna Carlson, soph.

Coach Larsen’s comments: “I like this team a lot. They help each other out and root for each other. In addition to the girls mentioned above, we have 4 more seniors and a slew of juniors that can all rally. Writing a lineup next week is not going to be easy. For now, we’ll focus on getting the lineup right and seeing what we can accomplish in the first few matches.”

The lowdown: With the belief in his team, Larsen said his Knights should have what it takes to get the job done in 2016. There is tremendous depth at each and every position, leaving Larsen with high confidence when making his lineup.