News Summary

On May 7, the Shenandoah girls tennis team secured third place in the competitive Hawkeye 10 Conference Tournament, showcasing their talent and determination. As they bid farewell to longtime coach Brian Daoust, who announced his resignation after 19 successful seasons, the team looks forward to new leadership under Jennah Hughes. Daoust leaves behind a legacy of achievement, including significant championships and a strong feeder system, as the community continues to support the team’s journey toward future successes.

Shenandoah Girls Tennis Team Shines in Hawkeye 10 Conference Tournament

On a bright and sunny May 7, the Shenandoah girls tennis team made their mark by clinching third place at the highly competitive Hawkeye 10 Conference Tournament. This was a day filled with excitement as the Fillies put on a stellar performance, showcasing their skills and dedication on the court. The talented team members, including standout players Ali Hansen and Jaylan Gray in the front row, along with Alyssa Melvin, Nora Martin, Brooke Hays, Rachel Hobbie, Gabi Jacobs, and Lyla Mather in the back row, proudly represented Shenandoah with their unwavering spirit.

A Fond Farewell to Coach Brian Daoust

In a bittersweet turn of events, the girls tennis program bids farewell to longtime coach Brian Daoust, who announced his resignation after an impressive 19 seasons at the helm. Under Daoust’s guidance, the team achieved significant milestones, including two Hawkeye 10 Conference team championships and numerous qualifications for state competitions; specifically, four team state qualifiers, eight state singles qualifiers, and six state doubles qualifiers. His leadership and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on the program.

Daoust’s decision to step down was discussed during an April board meeting, and while this news is hard for many to accept, he will remain committed to the school as the head coach for the boys tennis team and will also take on the role of high school boys assistant cross country coach. The shift of the tennis season to the fall played a crucial role in his decision, as it poses scheduling challenges for his son, Luke, who will be a junior and is eager to compete in both tennis and cross country.

The Future Looks Bright

Stepping into the role of head coach for the girls tennis program is Jennah Hughes, who is poised to continue the legacy established by Daoust, with experienced assistant Marcia Johnson remaining on board to lend her expertise. Daoust emphasized the significance of maintaining continuity within the program, ensuring a smooth transition as the Fillies move forward.

Coaching Legacy

Brian Daoust first began his coaching journey in Shenandoah in 2005 and took charge of the girls tennis program in 2007. He has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for the team, including establishing the budding Parks and Recreation youth tennis program in 2006. His approach focused on teaching effective tennis fundamentals, which allowed players to cultivate their skills and achieve notable success.

During his remarkable tenure, Daoust led the Fillies to an impressive dual match record of 163-75 with only three losing seasons, primarily during the early years of his coaching career. From 2014 to 2019, the team consistently won at least ten dual matches each season. The Fillies enjoyed back-to-back success with Hawkeye 10 Conference championships in 2017 and 2018, amassing a staggering 79-11 record over those six seasons.

Cherished Memories

Beyond the numbers and trophies, Daoust fondly reflects on the memorable rivalries with local teams and the thrill of competing at state levels as a public school team. He credits the remarkable success of the program to the strong feeder system and the unwavering support from the Shenandoah community, elements that have propelled the team through its ups and downs.

With a heart full of gratitude for the ongoing support from students, parents, and the community, Daoust is excited to continue coaching boys tennis and plans to return to the girls’ side of the program in the spring of 2026. As changes occur and new chapters unveil, the Shenandoah girls tennis team looks ahead with optimism and determination.

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