Former Rivals Become Coaches for Salina Cross-Town Tennis Teams

After competing against each other in high school, MacKenzie Morris and McKenzie Weishaar have taken on coaching roles for their former cross-town rivals. However, their transition into coaching has not been without its challenges.

MacKenzie Morris, previously a Mustang, now dons the Cougar green, while McKenzie Weishaar, formerly a Cougar, now wears Mustang hooves. These changes have allowed them to create a unique blend of Mustang-Cougar coaching, with a shared passion for developing a new generation of talented female tennis players.

“The competition is fierce, but there is also a strong sense of support,” says Morris.

Both Morris and Weishaar had successful high school tennis careers, with both representing their schools at the state level. Tennis has always been a significant part of their lives, fostering a deep bond between Morris and her sisters, who were all tennis players.

Morris achieved impressive results during her time as a Salina Central Mustang, making it to state all four years and achieving fifth, third, first, and sixth-place finishes. The sport also provided a way for Morris and her sisters to connect and create lasting memories.

Weishaar, on the other hand, played varsity tennis for Salina South for four years. While she narrowly missed the state tournament in her freshman year, she placed eighth in state during her sophomore year. However, her junior year was interrupted by illness, requiring her to undergo a bone marrow transplant and be out of school for an entire year. Despite this setback, Weishaar made a successful comeback during her senior year, finishing fourth in state alongside her doubles partner.

Reflecting on their time as high school athletes, Weishaar acknowledges the strong rivalry between Salina Central and Salina South. However, since transitioning to coaching, she now sees the bigger picture and aims to promote the overall strength and unity of Salina tennis.

For Morris, transitioning from player to coach has been a new and fulfilling experience. She recognizes the additional responsibilities that come with coaching, including the desire to see her players perform at their highest potential.

“I can’t remember the last time I was this stressed during tennis,” Morris admits. “Even when I played in a state championship, I didn’t feel this level of nervousness and stress. I experienced that on an entirely different level while coaching the girls last weekend.”

Throughout the year, Morris has sought guidance from Weishaar in supporting their teams both on and off the court. One particular challenge they faced was adjusting to the chants for their respective schools’ names during matches.

In their high school years, Morris and Weishaar’s competitive rivalry created a divide between them. However, their roles as coaches have allowed them to compete on a new level while supporting each other.

Weishaar highlights the importance of the strong programs at Salina Central and Salina South, emphasizing the overall success of Salina tennis as a united community.

Tennis is unique in the Salina rivalry, as it combines intense competition on the court with a friendly atmosphere off the court. The girls from both schools cheer each other on when they’re not playing, showcasing the true spirit of the tennis community in Salina.

Eventually, coaching became a natural progression for both Morris and Weishaar, driven by their love for the sport and competition. Witnessing the growth and momentum within the local tennis community has given them hope for the future of the sport in Kansas and beyond.

According to Weishaar, there are now more opportunities for tennis players in Salina than ever before. State-of-the-art courts, local clinics, individual coaches, and programs like the Salina Tennis Alliance have contributed to the success and availability of tennis for players of all ages.

Looking back on their first season as head coaches, both Morris and Weishaar express gratitude for the incredible group of girls they have had the privilege of coaching. Seeing their players evolve and witnessing their dedication and determination has been the most rewarding aspect for these coaches.

The Salina South and Central girls’ tennis teams have players competing in this year’s state tournament, a moment that brings immense excitement to Morris and Weishaar. It allows them to relive their high school memories and cherish the team spirit that tennis fosters.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina South and Central: Tennis coaches lead each other’s alma maters

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