The Fairfield girls tennis team capped off a remarkable season at the state tournament, bringing home three medals and solidifying their status as one of the top programs in the state. With back-to-back conference championships and four state qualifiers, the Trojans proved that their success runs deep.
State Tournament Results
Natalie Steele – 8th Place
Steele earned her second consecutive eighth place finish at state, showcasing remarkable consistency at the highest level of competition. Her tournament journey included thrilling three-set battles and impressive victories:
- Lost to Harika Cakinberk (North Polk): 1-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7)
- Won vs. Layla Hargis (Clarinda): 7-5, 6-2
- Won vs. Lea Patrick (Assumption): 6-7, 6-4, 1-0
- Lost to Kaitlyn Bjork (Decorah): 4-6, 2-6
- Lost to Harika Cakinberk (North Polk): 4-6, 3-6
Steele’s back-to-back eighth place finishes represent a significant achievement, and head coach Travis Dunkin believes the next step is within reach.
“She’s done fantastic these last two years. Taking eighth is a great accomplishment and one she should be proud of,” Dunkin said. “She’s going to continue to work on her game, add in a couple more shots and her execution. She has great smarts on the court, so just honing in on some of the small details.”
Ria Ross & Sriya Yammanur – 7th Place
The doubles duo delivered one of the most exciting performances of the tournament, winning three nail-biting matches to claim seventh place:
- Lost to Annie Elbert & Claire King (Wahlert Catholic): 6-0, 2-6, 2-6
- Won vs. Maria Ernesti & Kate Kelly (Bishop Heelan): 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 1-0 (10-8)
- Won vs. Ellie Cole & Taylin Walter (Clarinda): 6-3, 2-6, 1-0 (10-7)
- Lost to Kaylee Kuehl & Livi Schneider (Boone): 2-6, 0-6
- Won vs. Kennedy Graettinger & Brynn Merchant (Spencer): 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 (12-10)
Their partnership flourished throughout the season, built on a foundation of friendship and complementary playing styles.
“They’ve been friends for a long time, so I knew those two would hit the court running,” Dunkin explained. “Ria got a powerful forehand and Sriya has an amazing backhand, and those two paired nicely together. Their key was just to get pushing and believing in themselves. They are great teammates and great tennis players. So just keeping them focused on you got this, you want this.”
Poojita Mukadam
The senior competed fiercely in her final state tournament, battling through three tough matches:
- Lost to Charlotte Schwabe (Kuemper Catholic): 6-4, 2-6, 2-6
- Won vs. Ava Breems (Pella Christian): 6-2, 6-3
- Lost to Harika Cakinberk (North Polk): 5-7, 0-6
Mukadam’s impact on the program extended far beyond her individual results, serving as a cornerstone for the team’s culture and success.
“Poojita has been our rock on top for the last two seasons. She’s been a joy to have on the team,” Dunkin reflected. “She’s a true testament of what a great player is—she’s calm, cool, and collected on the court and handles herself with great sportsmanship. She will definitely be missed next season.”
A Season to Remember
The 2025 season was one for the record books. The Trojans claimed their second consecutive conference championship and qualified four players for state, with three earning medals. The team’s 21-player roster showed up to practice every day ready to learn and improve.
“Overall, absolutely great season. Back-to-back conference champions. Four qualified for state and three medaled. So great season. Happy and proud of them all,” Dunkin said.
Despite the success, the team fell short of one of their main goals by the narrowest of margins—a disappointment that has only fueled their determination for next season.
“We missed team state by one game again. That still hurts, but we’re coming back hungry next year to get that banner,” Dunkin added with determination.
The depth of the roster proved to be one of the program’s greatest strengths this season.
“From top down we have a nice large team which was awesome. Twenty-one girls on the team and they all showed up at practice willing to learn and get better,” Dunkin noted. “We didn’t get to face a lot of JV teams, but our girls still showed up and competed and had fun. And that’s all you can ask for as a coach: show up, give everything you have, and have fun.”
Building Blocks for Success
One of the season’s strategic decisions paid major dividends at state. The team’s participation in the Pella tournament provided crucial preparation, as all four state qualifiers faced opponents they had previously encountered there.
“For sure playing in the Pella tournament was a great thing. We saw a lot of familiar faces that we played in Pella. All four of the girls faced someone at state that they played in Pella. So that was great to get that competition,” Dunkin noted.
Looking ahead, Dunkin plans to seek out more tournament opportunities, particularly to address a recurring challenge the team has identified.
“Looking to play in more tournaments. Especially in the morning we seem to start slow in the morning. And to put ourselves in pressure situations so we can handle them when it really counts,” he said.
Growth as a Coach
As Dunkin enters his fourth year with the program and second year leading solo, he’s carrying forward valuable lessons and an unwavering commitment to his athletes.
“My third year being with the tennis program and first all by myself. Always willing to learn from others, take feedback and listen,” Dunkin reflected. “I bring a lot of energy and passion to coaching for the girls, and I’ll definitely continue that. Letting them know I’m here for them and will support them.”
His coaching philosophy centers on creating an environment where players can thrive both on and off the court, building confidence and fostering a love for the game.
Looking Forward
With a hungry team returning and the goal of reaching team state firmly in sight, Fairfield girls tennis is poised for another championship run in 2026. The foundation has been laid, the culture is strong, and the dedication is unwavering.
“Looking forward to next year and what they accomplish,” Dunkin said.
