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Washington Evening Journal
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IGHSAU features Fairfield tennis coach Grunewald
12-year Trojans leader produced 3 straight singles titles from 2017-19
Heidi Grunewald is in her 12th season as the Fairfield girls tennis coach. She had a record of 65-44 before the 2021 season began.
Fairfield won three straight singles titles under Grunewald with Anatta Charoenkul in 2017 and 2018, then Ana Gaskell in 2019.
Grunewald was featured recently with an interview by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. The interview was done by high school students in the Waukee High School's APEX program.
What is your favorite part of being a high school coach?
I like to see the kids succeed and improve upon their skills. Those that come out and have never played and to watch them improve is really neat to see.
How has COVID-19 affected the way you coach?
Well, since we are outside, we aren't doing too much different. We do socially distance a little bit more. It is harder to coach the kids during changeovers, but we make it work.
What have you learned from your time coaching?
You can drill, drill, drill, but it is ultimately the playing of the games that really helps to improve their game.
What are three skills you have developed or refined while coaching?
- The ability to coach them during changeovers.
- The importance of playing and not as many drills.
- How to make the connection with the girls to help them to become better athletes but also better students and people.
What advice would you give someone who wants to be a coach?
Have fun with the kids and help them to learn the sport you coach. They really do want to learn, the skills are just harder for some.
Why did you become a coach?
Honestly, my AD asked me to do it. I didn't volunteer, but I really do enjoy coaching the girls.
What value or idea is most important to you as a coach?
Practice like you are playing your match. You have to put the time and effort in if you want to play well.
Did you play any sports in high school, if so, how has that impacted your coaching techniques today?
I played high school tennis, but I never played singles, I only played doubles.
— By Amanda Burghduff, Waukee APEX Associate
The tennis state qualifiers for Fairfield High School in 2019 are, from left, Yana Gaskell, Anatta Charoenkul, coach Heidi Grunwald, Destiny Gridley and Tess Paton. (File)
Fairfield girls tennis in 2018 lost in the quarterfinals of the state team tournament to the Lady Dutch, 5-2, in Pella. The Trojans are, from left, Nellie Higdon, Yana Gaskell, Anatta Charoenkul, head coach Heidi Grunwald, Anna Beasley, Cami Schaefer and Hermela Gebremariam.
Fairfield head Coach Heidi Grunwald, left, reacts after hugging a sweaty Yana Gaskell, right, while Anatta Charoenkul observes. (File)
