Anwen Amash

Parents: Justin and Kara Amash

Shared by teammate Adelyn Breuninger

Coming into a varsity sport as a freshman was one of the scariest things that I have done, not knowing anyone and the uncertainty of making the team was extremely stressful. I remember tryouts day. I wasn't the only one that wasn't on varsity last year and was able to talk to someone who was older and more mature. Anwen was there for me when I didn't even know I needed it and from then on has been a mentor in my life. She shines her light everywhere with her kindness, positivity and care for everyone around her. She is someone I aspire to be more like and who I can always count on. She is a huge cheerleader and I always know she is rooting for me no matter what. She is also an amazing woman on the court, being able to get to any ball and when people think a point is over Anwen will find a way to get it back. She has stepped into the role of four singles in such a great way and is crushing it. All our car rides, games as partners and fun memories are parts of my tennis experience that I will always remember in a positive way. You are someone that is a huge part of our team culture and always make everything more fun and enjoyable I will miss you more than ever and can’t wait to see you flourish at Michigan. I love you lots Anwen, and don’t know what I will do without you. 

Olivia Christians

Parents: Matthew and Joan Christians

Shared by teammate Megan VandenBerg

I remember the last day of tryouts last year when we both figured out that we made the varsity team and we congratulated each other not knowing how close we would get throughout the season. You have impacted this team so much and I'm so sad this season is coming to an end and you are graduating this year. I can’t imagine this team without your bright spirit and positive energy on it. I want to take a moment to express my love for you as a person and a teammate. You are the sweetest most thoughtful person ever and you're such a great leader for me to look up to on the team. Your kindness and gentleness and especially your positivity when playing and just in general life is what makes you such a great team player and friend. While on the court when I would get down on myself and be a mess you would always be the calm to my storm and know right away how to bring my energy up and calm me down. You have really shown me what being a leader is. It's not always about being the loudest on the team but it’s all about lifting others up, setting a good example and making everyone around you feel good about themselves. and that is one of the things you do best. Thank you so so much for being someone I can look up to and for leaving such a positive mark on not only my tennis career here but my friendship with you. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and I'm so glad you chose a college so close so I can visit you whenever. I can't wait to keep watching you do amazing things at Calvin. I love you, Olivia!!

Charline Dahu

Parents: Musa Dahu and Marion Rischmann

Sahred by teammate Charlotte VerMeulen

To most people here, tennis is a game of serves and volleys. But to me, for the last year, tennis has been defined by one very specific sound: “LET’S GO CHARLOTTE!! YYOUU GOTT!!” 

Charline, whether I’m hitting an ace or accidentally launching the ball into the next zip code, you are always there as my biggest fan. That cheer isn’t just a very loud noise – it’s a reminder that no matter what’s happening on the court, you’ve always got my back. Even though the lineup has changed from last year and we aren’t side-by-side at the net this year, you are still the reason I play my best tennis. We just click. When we are on the court together, every step we take gives us this huge rush of adrenilne. We play as if we are one. Suddenly, our names begin to mash into a jumbled mess. It’s always been Charlotte and Charline, Charline and Charlotte—to the point where I don't think people even know where one of us ends and the other begins. That bond was definitely built in the trenches of the third set. We never did things the easy way; we fought for every point until we were exhausted. Your passion is legendary – our cheering was so loud we’d come home needing 10 gallons of tea just to say hi. But that energy was the engine that kept us going, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be in those dogfights with anyone else. As much as I will miss our matches, I’ll also miss your gift for saying exactly what no one is thinking. We’ll be in the middle of a sweat-soaked drill, and you’ll hover over someone’s shoulder, take a long sniff, and deadpan, “Mmm…I love the smell of BO.” Your random and very out-of-pocket jokes always remind us to loosen up a little. Charlini, I’ve been truly blessed to have you as a partner. I’ve gotten to know you as a player, partner, and most importantly, a friend. You’ve taught me so much about being unapologetically yourself and letting passion shine. McGill will definitely become louder with you there, and Gainey will be too quiet. 

So, for one last time… LET’S GO CHARLINNEEEEE!! YOU GOTTTTTT!!

Anna Jacobsen

Parents: Roger and Betsy Jacobsen

Shared by teammate Anneka VerMeulen

Anna. You are such a beacon of joy to each and every one of us on this team day in and day out. Whether we are battling it out on court as partners, or conditioning as a team at practice, you always seem to make tennis fun. Your infectious laugh always has the team cracking up with you. You bring energy to every practice, every match, and every lift that drives us all. I'll never forget all our practices with Vicky or that Jennifer Coolidge is your kryptonite. On top of that, our drive in the vu-mobile last year on the way to the states will always hold a special place in my heart. Our cellys on court will always be the best. I love getting to yell “let’s go” with you in so many different languages and attempting to hit the orange julius with you. Anna, you are a key part of this team and the courts will lose a little spark when you graduate. We’re going to miss you next year while you’re at Lipscomb, but we’re all excited to watch you rock that purple and gold. We love you Anna, and we can’t wait to see where life takes you.

Avah Jerke

Parents: Jason and Kimberly Jerke

Shared by teammate Londyn Jerke

Avah, my best friend, my soul mate, my sister, my everything. Where do I even begin? Getting the chance to be on this team with you these last two years has been such a blessing. Every early morning practice, every Starbucks run, every car ride, and every long tournament I have treasured with you. Tennis has given me the amazing opportunity to grow even closer to you to the point where we are basically fused together. I don't know where we would be without your strong and steady leadership on this team. Your positive attitude has lifted up everyone around you and you never fail to make us smile. Your on-court dance parties remind everyone that tennis is not only something we work hard at but also something we love doing. You will be beyond missed next year and the team will never be the same without you. Good luck to any girl who tries to fill your dancing shoes because you are truly an irreplaceable member of this team. Your thoughtfulness and care have been felt by everyone on this team whether it is when you are cheering us on or scheming against them in senior assassin. I know every girl on this team hates to be on the receiving end of your killer vollies and evil triples feeds. I hope these next few years the team can embody even a fraction of your dedication, happiness, selflessness and skill on court. I could write a whole essay about you and it still wouldn't feel like enough to capture what an amazing person you are. I truly could not do life without you. Creighton is so beyond lucky to have you and we are all so proud of you for all of your accomplishments on and off the court and even more of the person you are.  

Emily VandenBerge

Parents: Jim and Alyssa VandenBerge

Shared by teammate Gwyn Artz

Two years ago, when I made the team as a nervous freshman, I was worried about being around so many new faces and people older than me. But I quickly realized that this team would become like a family, and that was in part because of you. You (with Anna often by your side) became such a source of laughter, never failing to spread your contagious smile to everyone on the team. You always know how to make the best out of any situation, even one as dire as sleeping through your 4:30 am alarm and missing a 5 am practice. You quickly became a strong pillar on our team, rising up 4 lineup spots in just one-off season and embodying what it means to be a team captain. Your efforts to be attentive to detail and thoughtful are unwavering and evident as you have quickly adapted to recognize when exactly I need to be reminded that I don’t always have to be perfect. You allow both myself and others to be our authentic selves while playing the sport that we all love, even if that means listening to the stupid jokes that I tend to blurt out when we’re on court together. Even normal routines like warming up every day together after school can make me forget about any bad day. I miss being the unlicensed sophomore riding in the passenger seat of your car, but I especially miss hearing your fire music during practice. Well actually, who needs music anyways when you and I are screaming all the time during practice? Working on doubles strategy with Justin is going to be weird without you there next year, however productive our lessons actually may be. I’m still trying to figure out how I’ll be able to scuba-attack you at any given moment from 750 miles away. As much as I wish Samford University wasn’t so far, they are so beyond lucky to have you and I know you will soar as you study Nursing there starting in the fall. I, too, am lucky to have you and to be your final dubs partner. I can’t wait to keep crushing it together for the rest of the season. I love you Em!

From Coach Fernandez-Torres

To our seniors -
It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of all of you. Watching you grow as players, teammates, and people over these years has been such a special experience. You brought energy, leadership, and heart to this team every single day, and you’ve left a mark that won’t be forgotten. As you head into your next chapter, I hope you know how excited I am for each of you and everything ahead. You’re capable of so much, and I know you’ll continue to do amazing things wherever life takes you. Thank you for all the memories, laughs, hard work, and moments we shared on and off the court. I’ll always be rooting for you.