HW Girls Tennis – HSN talks with Head Coach Brenna Wandel!

The Hopewell girls’ tennis team is a close-knit group of eight players, half of whom are brand new to the sport this season. Led by Head Coach Brenna Wandel, now in her third season with Hopewell after starting in Fall 2023, and Assistant Coach Rita Wilson, the program is centered on growth, encouragement, and building confidence both on and off the court.

Though small in numbers, the Vikings are big in heart. With four returners and four newcomers, they are embracing a season of learning, growth, and consistency. Wandel and Wilson are longtime coaching colleagues, having worked together for several seasons at West Allegheny before reuniting at Hopewell — bringing with them years of experience and a shared passion for developing well-rounded student-athletes.

The program emphasizes steady growth and a team-first culture. Hopewell fields one varsity squad, practicing once a week in the summer and five days a week during the season. Practices focus on the fundamentals — forehands, backhands, serves, volleys, and overheads — while also turning match experiences into opportunities to sharpen skills and strategies for the next time players step on the court.

Recruitment comes through summer clinics, middle school outreach, and flyers at both the junior high and high school, with the goal of steadily expanding the roster in the years ahead.

This season, expectations are centered not on wins and losses but on improving skills, gaining confidence, and laying a foundation for the future. With no seniors on the roster, the focus is on helping a young core of players grow together — with an eye toward an even stronger, more experienced program next season.

The Vikings compete in a tough WPIAL Section 5-AA against Aquinas Academy, Keystone Oaks, Carlynton, Ambridge, Sewickley Academy, and Quaker Valley — two of which are perennial tennis powerhouses. Most of these schools also field much larger rosters, often with double the number of players Hopewell has or even enough to form both varsity and JV teams. The Vikings also face non-section opponents including Ellwood City, Central Valley, Beaver Falls, Lincoln Park, and Moon, with home matches played on the blue courts behind the Junior High School.

This year’s roster is filled with personality and promise:

• Alana Covalt (11) – A leader with a powerful forehand and strong shots.
• Claire Sarkis (11) – A steady leader with reliable power.
• Mackenzie Liston (10) – Known for her positive attitude, coachability, and consistent footwork.
• Cassidy Bellomo (10) – Brings energy and hard hits to the court.
• Teagan Scully (11) – Focused and determined in matches.
• Georgia Garber (9) – Adds energy and spirit to the team.
• Kaylee Wiley (11) – A positive and encouraging presence.
• Evelyn Cagnon (9) – Keeps the team upbeat with her humor.

The season opened with a scrimmage against Ellwood City. The 0–5 score didn’t reflect how close many of the games were, as several went to multiple deuces and were decided by just a point or two. For the newcomers making their first starts — including doubles teams of Cassidy & Georgia and Kaylee & Evelyn — it was an encouraging sign of what’s ahead.

That early effort turned into a breakthrough when Hopewell earned its first big win of the season with a 5–0 sweep over Beaver Falls. Covalt, Sarkis, and Liston all powered through singles wins, while Bellomo & Garber rallied in a marathon three-set tiebreak victory at first doubles. Scully & Wiley added a strong straight-sets win at second doubles, and Cagnon shined in exhibition play with a confident 6–3, 6–4 finish. It was the kind of night that showed grit, endurance, and heart — and proved the work in practice is paying off.

Most recently, the Vikings faced Aquinas Academy in a 1–4 loss that still carried plenty of positives. Covalt, Sarkis, and Liston each battled hard in singles against tough competition, while Bellomo & Scully put together strong doubles rallies despite falling short. The highlight of the day came from Garber & Cagnon at second doubles, who earned Hopewell’s lone win by combining communication, patience, and shot selection to close out their match 6–4, 6–2.

“Our expectations this year are less about wins and more about helping each girl grow as a player and a teammate,” Coach Wandel said. “We’re focused on building confidence, refining skills, and setting the stage for an even stronger team in the seasons ahead.”

Looking ahead, the team is excited to compete in the MAC Tournament on September 5 at Beaver and Blackhawk — another chance to test themselves against strong competition. With a young roster, steady leadership, and a culture built on positivity and growth, the Vikings are building something special — one match, one practice, and one point at a time.