Colby Girls Tennis Gearing Up for a Season of Growth and Opportunity

As the fall sports season approaches, Colby High School Girls Tennis is preparing to take the court with a strong sense of optimism and unity. Head Coach Wendy Weishaar, entering another season at the helm, described the upcoming year as a “rebuilding” one—but not without its excitement and promise.

“We lost three strong seniors last year, so we’re in a bit of a reset,” Weishaar said in a preseason interview. “But we have five seniors this year and a big group of underclassmen who’ve been working hard. The energy is good, and the opportunities are wide open.”

This year’s senior class includes Anjali Balbuena, Yatzhira (Yatzi) Barraza, Bella Castenada, Kinslie Blake, and Molly Norman. Among them, Anjali, Yatzi, and Bella bring the most varsity experience, while the others look to step into larger roles this fall.

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Weishaar is expecting a large turnout with 24 girls currently signed up, marking the largest roster in her tenure. To handle the influx, practices will be split between the high school and Colby Community College courts, especially when it comes time for challenge matches and preparation for varsity spots.

“This will be the first time we’ve had to operate with three full teams and a few extras,” Weishaar said. “It’s a good problem to have.”

The team kicks off its season September 2 in Phillipsburg, and while Weishaar is quick to point out that no one has emerged as a state qualifier “on paper,” she’s excited about the unknowns.

“Often, a kid who’s been steady or even under the radar just makes a leap—everything clicks,” she said. “We could definitely see some surprise breakthroughs this year.”

The summer was anything but quiet for the program. June was filled with camps for high school, middle school, and grade school players, with upperclassmen stepping in as mentors and instructors. July brought the return of weekly “drop-in” tennis on Monday and Wednesday nights, a tradition that’s been running for nearly a decade.

In a new twist this season, the team added preseason conditioning in early August—something Weishaar believes will give players an early edge.

“We told them they can bring their rackets and hit after conditioning, even though we as coaches can’t be involved until the 18th,” she said.

That timing coincides with a unique situation—Weishaar will miss the first eight practices while traveling to Ireland to cheer on Kansas State Football. In her absence, two recent CHS graduates, Allison Zimmerman and Maddie Amberger, will step in as junior coaches.

“They’re young, but capable,” Weishaar said. “We’re planning everything out in advance, and I’m confident they’ll do a great job.”

On August 23, the team will also hold its annual car wash fundraiser—its 11th year running. Held at the car wash near the Colby Love’s station, players will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free-will donation car wash. Funds raised will help support team gear and travel expenses throughout the season.

“It’s something physical that the girls can do together, and it’s fun,” Weishaar said. “The community has always been supportive.”

As for the season ahead, Coach Weishaar is leaning into the theme of development, not just competition.

“Tennis is tough. It takes time and effort to really improve. But when the right player commits, the results can be amazing,” she said. “We’re going to celebrate every step of progress this season—on and off the court.”

With a larger-than-ever team, renewed enthusiasm, and plenty of room for individual breakthroughs, Colby Girls Tennis is poised for a season full of potential.