The opening of spring sports has already started as Pleasant Valley’s tennis team began play on Monday.

The Bears are one of four area schools with boys tennis, as Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Palmerton also have squads.

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Emilio Mercado - 3rd season

Last year’s record: 1-15

Key players lost: Evan Rosebrook (No. 2 singles)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Alex Plesniarski (Sr., Singles), Ian Walck (Sr., Singles/Doubles), Maxwell Priore (Sr., Singles/Doubles), Trent Sutphin (Jr., Singles/Doubles), Drayden Mathurin (So., Doubles).

Others to watch: Jonas Lambert (Jr., Doubles).

Strengths: Mercado has noticed a positive attitude during the preseason, and loves the “never give up” demeanor the players are showing right now. “Last year, I heard a lot of ‘I can’t’ during practice, so I made it a point for us to work on shutting down those negative thoughts,” he said. “Even if we look a little messy at times, it doesn’t mean we are. Compared to last season, I’m seeing more movement, more effort, and a stronger willingness to go after those tough shots on the court.”

Weaknesses: The inexperience of some players is a concern as many of the Olympians are new to the sport. Despite this, they are aware of how to play the game and understand the rules, but they lack that match experience and only get to compete during the season.

Outlook: “We have a returning team, so our teamwork and coordination are already in place. What we need now is for our boys to keep practicing and not let outside factors get to them; whether that’s their own thoughts or things happening in their lives. No matter the challenges, we must push through and give our best. The competition is tough in the Colonial League, but that’s even more reason for us to keep working.” – Jim Thorpe coach Emilio Mercado.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Andrew Hozza - 1st season

Last year’s record: 8-6

Key players lost: Beyto Cokrlija (No. 1 Singles), Issac Carpenter (No. 3 Singles), Dante Kalbach (No. 1 Doubles), Julian May (No. 2 Doubles)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Bekim Cokrlija (Sr.), Phillip Ebbert (Sr.), Mia Nothstein (Sr.), Kyra Shorten (Sr.), Jed Cordes (Jr.), Nolan Eckman (Jr.), Allie Conrad (So.), Chase Lobasso (So.).

Others to watch: Sage Everett (So.), Mia Hall (So.), Ben Houser (So.), Victoria Bierman (Fr.), Kingsley Cruz (Fr.), Brynn Schleicher (Fr.).

Strengths: In his first year with the program, the former four-year singles player in high school knows his roster is filled with excellent players, which he pointed out is a “good mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores that will continue to develop and grow.” With some added depth, Hozza feels it will “create plenty of healthy competition and help our athletes grow.”

Weaknesses: The Indians took a hit at No. 1 and No. 2 singles with the departure of Beyto Cokrlija and Carpenter to graduation, so there are some big shoes to fill this season. Hozza also is hoping for the team to cut down on unforced errors.

Outlook: “The 2026 Lehighton tennis team consists of talented athletes across all grade levels. There are a few seniors who are experienced and ready to finish their careers strongly, while there are also some sophomores and juniors who are looking to gain valuable experience and grow to become standout competitors in future seasons. Trying to maintain longer rallies and hit more winning shots will be a goal of the team.” – Lehighton coach Andrew Hozza.

PALMERTON

Head coach: Jen Danzeisen - 9th season

Last year’s record: 4-7

Key players lost: Josh Merkel (Doubles).

Returning starters/letterwinners: Colton Ruzicka (Sr., Singles), Anderson Garcia (Sr., Singles), Hadlee Lake (Sr., Doubles), Kevin O’Neill (Sr., Doubles), Levi Johnson (Jr., Singles).

Others to watch: Andrea Bettini (Jr., foreign exchange student from Italy, Doubles), Matt Breiner (Jr.), Chase Sebelin (Fr.).

Strengths: Danzeisen is grateful her Bombers are keyed in on becoming better players. That should aid their progression during the course of the season. “They are eager and willing to learn how to be better and have great team spirit. They are athletic and are willing to put in the work to get the points.”

Weaknesses: With only having a few practices, and the season right around the corner, the Bombers’ mentor could only pinpoint one area of concern. “They are probably most weak on their serves,” said Danzeisen. “But they are getting better, controlling the ball, and playing more aggressively.”

Outlook: “From what I have seen in the last week, I’m very excited, inspired and hopeful. I love how they are hitting, and I see much more consistency. It’s a short season and the weather is always uncertain, so I’m hoping it’s in our favor this year. I see more wins for us this year. As always, I expect good sportsmanship from my players, and that to me will always be a win.” – Palmerton head coach Jen Danzeisen.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach: Laura Ammermann - 2nd season

Last year’s record: 8-8 (6-8 EPC)

Key players lost: Jens Hansen (Sr., No. 3 Singles).

Returning starters/letterwinners: John Hargrave (Jr., No. 1 Singles), Isaac Klein (Jr., No. 2 singles), Liam Angell (Sr., Singles/Doubles), Logan Krock (Sr., Singles/Doubles), Noah Conklin (Singles/Doubles).

Others to watch: Hayden Byrnes (Sr., No. 3 Doubles), Ben Jochen (Sr., Doubles), Preston Snyder (Jr., No. 3 Doubles), Gavin Tonkay (Jr., Doubles),

Strengths: Pleasant Valley pretty much returns with its lineup intact, as the Bears are only without their No. 3 singles player returning. John Hargrave returns to the same spot — No. 1 singles — that he has played since his freshman season. Klein returns at No. 2 singles, while seniors Angell and Krock are expected to play important roles between No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles. Conklin is also in the mix to see time in the varsity lineup.

Weaknesses: The weather. Mother Nature has limited practices during the preseason, which slows down the growth of the players. It also slows down the developing skills of several newcomers to the program. “Weather has limited early court time, however, so the lineup will remain tentative until the Bears are able to finalize positions during practice and match play,” Ammermann said.

Outlook: “We have a great mix of experienced players and newcomers this season. Our focus is on improving every day, supporting one another, and building a competitive team as the season progresses.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Laura Ammermann.