There is a new head coach on the Newtown High School girls’ tennis court — but in reality, not a whole lot is different from the coaching standpoint since the team last competed, two years ago.

Nancy Anderson, a four-year assistant with the team, takes over and former head coach Maureen Maher will serve as assistant this spring. The coaches are flip-flopping to accommodate a change to Maher’s hours, but both coaches will continue to work together to guide the Nighthawks.

“I am extremely honored, excited, and enthusiastic to lead this team into a successful transition season,” said Anderson, a competitive player with more than 30 years experience on the court, who has spent the last five years running adult and junior programs and providing lessons at NYA Sports & Fitness. “I have found my happy place on a court playing and teaching this wonderful lifelong sport.”

Things are a bit different on the court itself now, with only a trio of returnees following last year’s lost season. Although the Nighthawks have limited varsity experience, what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality.

Captains are senior Jen Lorenz, undecided between Penn State and Clemson University, and senior Julia Dolan, who has committed to Harvard. Junior Amelia Hufschmeid is the other returnee.

“With many prospective players who have not tried out due to quarantine, it is too early to say who will play a critical role in the upcoming season. From what we have seen so far, there are several new sophomores and freshman that will bring depth to the team,” Anderson said during preseason as March gave way to the start of April.

“Having the opportunity as head coach this season, I am super-excited to lead this young team as we are entering into a rebuilding season for future ones. Losing five seniors after a lost season will be hard felt this season. However, with the amount of new positive prospects, I am certain we will regain ground, said Anderson, adding that the team stands to be even stronger next season. “With a slow tryout process as many of those prospects have been up against quarantines, we remain optimistic we will regain ground in the next few weeks.”

“Goals for the season are to build depth in our new players in the rotation and lock in a solid ladder in early May. First and foremost is following all COVID guidelines so we are not faced with lost matches and quarantined players. We look to contend with the top teams in the division and aim to come in the top four as we did in the 2019 season and hopefully top two,” Anderson said.

Tough teams on the slate include Weston, Joel Barlow of Redding, and Pomperaug of Southbury.

The Newtown coach said a strength of the team out of the gate is athleticism. “With a solid practice preseason, we should be in good shape to be a top contender,” Anderson anticipates.