Senior Ara Lofgren has helped the Ankeny Centennial girls’ tennis team to a 2-1 record. The Jaguars own victories over Urbandale and Valley.
Lofgren posted an 8-2 mark at No. 5 singles as a junior. She teamed up with Jenna Benkufsky to qualify for the Class 2A state tournament in doubles.
Here is some inside info on Lofgren:
How is the season going thus far?
So far our season is going well, and I’m really proud of every girl on the team.
Congratulations on Friday’s 6-5 win over Valley. What will that victory do for the team’s confidence, considering that you beat the Tigers without your No. 1 player, Abbie Peterson–who is out with an injury?
Yes, beating Valley was a huge confidence boost for our team. Knowing how strong we can be even without Abbie is amazing. It’s great to know that we can rely on every girl to step up when it’s necessary.
Your team’s only loss came at Dowling Catholic, 10-1, on Tuesday. Do you think the Maroons are the best team in Class 2A?
I think it’s far too early to say who the best team in 2A is, but yes, the Maroons are extremely strong and fierce competitors.
You played doubles with Abbie at the first meet of the season, but have now played the last two matches with Gabby Mixdorf. Has it been challenging to adjust to some new partners after playing with Jenna last season?
After playing with Jenna for the entirety of last season, it’s been slightly challenging to adjust to new partners. However, I’m having a lot of fun playing with new people too. I think because of the different doubles drills we do during practice, it sets everyone up to be able to play well with anyone.
Do you prefer singles or doubles? Why?
I prefer playing doubles. For me, it’s much more exciting and fun compared to singles. Especially after having so much success with doubles last year, I’ve really grown to love it.
What do you think is the strength of your game?
As a singles player, I think my strength is being able to change the pace of the point. Sometimes I’ll hit deep and sometimes I’ll hit short, and I think that sets me up well to win points. For doubles, I think my strengths are my serve and volleys. My serve sets my partner up well to end the point with a volley. And my own volleys allow me to end the point quickly too.
This is your fourth season on the varsity and your third year being part of the regular singles lineup. With your experience, are you trying to be a leader for the team this season?
I think my experience on varsity definitely allows me to step up as a leader when it’s necessary. However, every girl on this team plays a part as a leader. I think we all step up in different ways, and that’s what makes this team so special.
Goals for the season?
Yeah, I definitely have some goals for this season. I would love for our team to make it back to the final four for team state. That was a huge opportunity last year and such an exciting moment for our team. As for myself, I’d love to return to individual state too. That was a core memory for me. But overall, I hope everyone just has fun and enjoys themselves. Most girls on the team are seniors, so I hope we can all enjoy our last season together.
I know Abbie and Jenna are both planning to play tennis in college. What are your college plans, and will you continue to play tennis?
Yes, I’m super proud of Abbie and Jenna committing for tennis! I’m planning on attending Kansas State University. I’m not going for tennis, but if there’s a club team or an intramural tennis team available, then I might join.
Your coach, Alli Gustafson, is one of the state’s youngest coaches and was named the Class 2A coach of the year in 2023 in just her second season with the program. How would you describe her coaching style?
Yeah, I was super happy for Alli when she won that award! I think Alli coaches us well. She’s a fun coach but also takes our training and practices seriously. She knows what we need to improve on to be the best team possible. Also, she does a great job of making sure we all meet our goals. We always communicate before and after our meets, and I think that benefits everyone a lot.
Your dad, Warren, is an assistant coach for the Centennial boys’ team. Have you considered becoming a coach someday?
I haven’t thought that far ahead yet, but I do enjoy coaching Parks and Rec tennis camps over the summer so maybe one day!
