News Summary

Big Rapids has announced Erin Bollman as the new girls tennis coach for the upcoming 2026 season. Bringing a wealth of experience from previous coaching roles, Bollman aims to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for her players. With a focus on development and a love for tennis, she plans to kickstart winter training while setting goals for skill improvement. The community looks forward to her impact on the team as the season approaches.

Big Rapids Welcomes New Girls Tennis Coach for the 2026 Season

Big Rapids is buzzing with excitement as it officially welcomes Erin Bollman as the new girls tennis coach for the upcoming 2026 season. Taking over from Jeff Mossel, who stepped down after last season, Bollman comes with a wealth of experience and a warm vision for the team.

Experienced Coach with a Winning Touch

Bollman isn’t new to the coaching scene. Having honed her skills at various racquet clubs in Grand Rapids and as an assistant coach at East Grand Rapids Public Schools, she has made her mark in both boys’ and girls’ tennis. With years of involvement in state championship teams and several successful coaching stints under her belt, she brings a proven track record to Big Rapids High School.

In fact, Bollman has been part of the Big Rapids girls tennis team as an assistant coach for the last three years. Now, as she takes the lead, her passion for the sport and commitment to the players shine through. Her daughter, Reece Bollman, has been a member of the team during her time as an assistant and is now a senior, adding a unique personal touch to her coaching journey.

Creating a Friendly Atmosphere

One of Bollman’s main goals is to foster a positive and fun culture within the team. She believes that creating an energetic and supportive environment is key to nurturing young athletes. With her upbeat attitude and engaging coaching style, she aims to inspire players to enjoy the game while developing their skills.

Winter Training Challenges

As the winter months approach, Bollman plans to help her players make the most of Ferris State University’s indoor facility to keep those tennis skills sharp. However, securing court time can be a bit tricky, as both the Ferris State tennis teams and pickleball groups frequently use the space. Regardless, Bollman is determined to make every opportunity count.

Setting Goals for Progress

With an eye on the future, Bollman emphasizes the importance of understanding scoring and having the basic skills down by spring 2026. She noted that last year’s team included several beginners who were still getting familiar with the game, so there is plenty of work to be done. In her commitment to excellence, she also plans to continue the partnership with the Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State, which provided valuable support for last year’s JV team.

A Love for the Game

One of the things Bollman cares deeply about is fostering a lifelong love for tennis among her players. With a noticeable decline in interest in tennis compared to the rise of pickleball, she aims to rekindle that passion. Bollman is dedicated to teaching her team to appreciate tennis so that they will carry that love into their adult lives.

A Glimpse into Bollman’s Background

Bollman’s journey in tennis began at the young age of 10 when she quickly became a nationally ranked junior by 12. She went on to compete in national tournaments and earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa, where she was part of the tennis team that reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in her senior year, finishing in the top 20 nationally. Outside of tennis, she also dabbled in soccer, volleyball, and track before focusing solely on tennis in high school.

After spending the last decade primarily as a stay-at-home mom, alongside some part-time work, Bollman is thrilled to step back into a prominent coaching role. With a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a Reading Specialization from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University, she possesses the perfect mix of educational background and practical coaching expertise.

Looking Ahead

As the upcoming season approaches, the Big Rapids community looks forward to seeing how coach Bollman will guide the girls’ tennis team. With her extensive experience, dedication, and passion for the game, there’s no doubt that she’ll make a significant impact. The countdown to fresh matches is on, and it’s sure to be an exciting time for all involved!

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