Cyclones women's tennis has a history of conference and region championships, and Head Coach Matt Marusarz wants to do it one more time before he hangs up the racquet.

In his fourth season leading the program, Marusarz has compiled winning records, including a conference and region championship in 2022. He's going back to school and working full time, leaving no more time to coach after this fall season.

"It's bittersweet, and I wish I could coach forever," he said. "But [Assistant Coach] Dave [Souza] and I are excited to go at it one more year, and we have a solid roster."

Having fallen just short last season – taking second in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and in Region 4 – Marusarz bolstered the roster and believes he has the tools to recapture the crowns.

"I think we have a very strong, consistent roster," he noted. "We have a solid first singles player, and I know who I want at No. 2 singles, but it's a toss up after that because of the talent."

Returning this year are No. 2 doubles region champions and nationals qualifiers Allyson English (Oak Forest) and Maya Morris (Sandburg). "These two champs are back, and they'll be even better. They've improved since last season, and I'm excited to see these two captains at work," Marusarz said.

Some talented incoming recruits include Breanne Schultz (Lockport) and Johann Laran (Sandburg), solid players who have enough chemistry to be dangerous doubles partners.

As always, the team goals are to take the No. 1 spot and return to the national tournament along with defeating McHenry County College, the only team that dealt the Cyclones a loss during the regular season. It's also important for Marusarz that his players learn something, take lessons with them from the season and continue to love tennis.

"I think it's going to be a great season," he said. "We're ready to get started."

The Cyclones open their season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2:45 p.m., against Elgin Community College.