As spring sports wrap up, tennis is still serving strong, with postseason meets coming in fast. The Lincoln East Girls Tennis team is currently the reigning state champs and are having a successful 2025 tennis season maintaining an undefeated record in invites and duals. The team hopes to repeat greatness at the Nebraska State Championship meet this year, hosted at Woods Tennis Center on May 27 and May 28.
All season long the team has faced the top teams in the state. Through these matches the team has continued to show their excellence as represented by their record. But they also support each other through every match no matter the outcome.
“We compete in a lot of tough invites with strong competition, so staying consistent is really important,” senior and two doubles player Stacia Jacobsen said. “What’s helped me the most this season has been the people around me and my desire to contribute to the team. Having a supportive team makes a huge difference. We push each other to improve but also enjoy every moment together.”
The focus of consistency and team chemistry is reinforced by Coach Chris Stock, who believes in staying grounded through the highs and lows of the tennis season.
“Every meet is important, but no meet or match is special,” Lincoln East Coach Chris Stock said.” So if you have that understanding philosophy that it’s another match and not put it on some pedestal, that’s the way to be grounded. And if you lose, then you have your teammates there to support you. If you win, again, you have your teammates there to support you as well.”
This philosophy of staying grounded is what keeps the team on top, no matter how challenging the match. The team’s unwavering support for each other is fueling their success, and will be a key aspect in hoping to defend their State title.
“It’s also important that we come together as a team, to have fun and support each other,” Coach Stock said.
The journey and “expectations” of defending the State title is more than just winning for the Lincoln East Spartans; it’s about coming together as a whole and cherishing every moment together. Regardless of how the season ends one thing is clear: the Lincoln East tennis team embodies East Excellence.
