One of the most heralded tennis players in the history of Manitowoc Lincoln High School, along with a 21-win doubles team, are planning to leave for Madison and the State Girls Individual Tennis Tournament Thursday morning.
Junior Olivia Minikel has compiled a 26-&-oh record, received a #2 seed, and a first-round bye in the Division-1 Singles flight.
We spoke with her, the doubles team of senior Hannah Dvorak and freshman Taylor Peterson, and their coach during a practice Monday afternoon at the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA.
Minikel, who’s closing in on 70-wins in her prep career, spoke about getting a 2-seed.
“I was really happy with my seed this year, considering last year I wasn’t to happy with it,” she told Seehafer News. “I’m excited to see what I can do with my seed this year. I am feeling very confident.”
Coach Stephanie Henschel had a big reaction upon hearing of such a high seed.
“I was like, ‘Holy Holey!’ I texted her right away,” she said. “I thought it was super cool because everyone said that they would think top five…I’m super proud of her.”
Olivia also spoke about qualifying a third time for the state tournament.
“I’m really grateful for the experience. It’s amazing down there,” she said. “Hopefully I can take home the gold.”
Minikel advanced to the 3rd round of play last season after finishing 4th in the 2020-’21 alternate season that was played in the spring.
The Lincoln Doubles team will open their paly against a team from Notre Dame.
Coach Henschel believes they can be successful.
“They have a winnable match their first round so I’m really looking forward to that first round,” she said.
The coach also said that Peterson has never played at Nielsen Stadium, so she is excited “for her to have a match that is winnable, and then seeing Hannah help her through…her Senior experience is really going to be helpful for them.”
Dvorak and Peterson spoke about playing to their strengths.
“Taylor rocks at the net!” Dvorak said. “I feel that we work perfectly together because I’m better deeper. I can set her up perfectly.”
Peterson agreed, and added that she “has a pretty strong serve, so it works out pretty well.”
Sophomore Parker Christensen of Elkhorn, the #1 seed in the Singles bracket, has played matches with and against Minikel, and those two undefeated players could meet again in the finals on Saturday.
Olivia’s first match isn’t until 5:30 Thursday evening while the Ships Doubles team will take the court at Nielsen Stadium that afternoon at 1:30 against the Tritons duo.
