Kettle Falls Tennis Blends Experience, New Talent for 2026 Season

Head Coach Glenn Hume said the Bulldogs are emphasizing fundamentals early in the season while setting their sights on competitive play later in the year.

“We have a combination of experienced and brand new, never-picked-up-a-racket before players,” Hume said. “Our initial goal is to teach tennis rules/etiquette, develop fundamental tennis skills, and build towards game strategy and mindset.”

As the season progresses, the Bulldogs hope that foundation translates into success in league competition and postseason play.

“I anticipate the Kettle Falls team will be competitive in league play this year with the goal of advancing deep into the district tournament,” Hume said. “The ultimate goal is to establish a love of the game, which our athletes can continue to play through their entire lives.”

The program continues to grow, particularly on the boys side. Kettle Falls has 17 athletes out this season, including 12 girls and five boys.

“I believe last season was the first time Kettle Falls had a male player. Seeing the boys team grow to five this season is an exciting trend,” Hume said.

The girls roster features a balanced mix of experience and youth, while the boys team is largely underclassmen.

“The girls team is fairly evenly split with 7 juniors and seniors, and 5 freshmen and sophomores. The boys team consists of two juniors and three freshmen,” Hume said.

Leadership will be anchored by three seniors who bring multiple years of experience to the court.

“Three of our seniors, Elsie Hume, Adison Jones, and Lily Van Dusen are currently establishing themselves as the team leaders,” Hume said. “They all have several years of tennis experience and have been instrumental in setting the tone for the season.”

Hume also pointed to a strong group of younger players developing behind them.

“We also have a great crew of younger players that will be ready to step into that role in the future,” he said.

League competition is expected to be strong once again, with several familiar programs leading the way.

“I have only had brief conversations with other coaches in the league, but they too, generally, have a combination of experienced and new players,” Hume said. “League standouts in past years tend to be St. Georges, Freeman, Newport, and Chewelah, and I would expect them all to be competitive again this season.”

For now, the focus remains on growth, teamwork and enjoyment of the sport – something Hume says this group has embraced.

“This is a great group of student-athletes that are working hard and enjoying time on the court together,” he said. “They have been a pleasure to coach so far in this young season.”