Brandt Lager, the second-year head coach of the Willmar boys tennis team, kicked off the week with a special tradition: awarding the team's coveted championship belt. This unique prize, introduced late last season, is a weekly "extra effort" award voted on by the players. "They get to wear the belt for the week and then they get a little goodie bag of stuff," explained senior captain Carter Newberg. This focus on recognizing hard work is central to the culture Coach Lager is building as he looks to elevate the young Cardinals program.

After finishing seventh in the Central Lakes Conference last season, the team is focused on growth and gaining valuable experience. With a roster featuring only two seniors—captains Carter Newberg and Nehemiah Van Horne—the Cardinals are embracing a youth movement. They open their 2026 season at home against Sauk Rapids, aiming to build on last year's foundation. "Just getting out there, having fun and playing tennis is kind of my goal this year," Lager said, emphasizing development over immediate results.

The team will lean heavily on its veteran leadership. Carter Newberg, an All-CLC selection last year, steps into a captain's role following the graduation of his brother, Ryan. He's joined by fellow senior Nehemiah Van Horne, who is serving as a captain for the second consecutive season. "It is more responsibility since last year I was just a player," Carter noted. "I can kind of just take what (Ryan) did and hopefully expand upon it."

With a large group of underclassmen, including five freshmen, the season is about laying the groundwork for future success. The blend of dedicated seniors and eager newcomers creates an environment where effort is celebrated—one championship belt at a time. As the Cardinals shake off the offseason rust, their focus on teamwork and incremental improvement promises an exciting building year on the courts.