The De Soto high school tennis team has faced many changes this year, including the addition to the coaching staff, Cassandra Zoller.

Zoller chose to coach at DHS due to her experience as a previous student and athlete of the school.

“I love the community and staff here,” Zoller said. “The students always make the sport really fun and enjoyable.”

Zoller wasn’t sure how this season would play out when she went into coaching, but she is coming to understand the dynamics of coaching as the season has gone on.

“Coaching is a little different than I thought. I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I’m getting the hang of things and learning as I go,” Zoller said. “It takes time to get to know the students and how they work.”

It has been a while since the tennis team has had a female coach, and she has really made an impact of the the girls.

“Having a girl coach is different  because they have different demeanors,” said sophomore Kasey Seaba. “While they expect the same amount of commitment and hard work out of us, the way they ask us is different.”

Zoller has really enjoyed her time coaching the girls and becoming accustomed to the team.

“I like getting to know the girls and being relational with them,” Zoller said.

Although the previous assistant coach Shane Henry is missed, teammates said that head coach Justin Hoffman and Zoller do a great job coaching with each other.

“I think [Hoffman and Zoller] work well together,” Seaba said. “I think [Zoller] is still figuring things out and getting comfortable, but so far they seem like a good team.”

Zoller plans to continue to work hard with the team and to learn the ropes of coaching. She is very excited for the remainder of the season.