Doubles, Divisions and New Dynasties
The Minnesota State Girl’s Tennis Season Has Officially Begun!
Credit: Pioneer Press Scott Takushi
Last year, girls tennis in Minnesota entered a new era when the Minnesota State High School League officially added a third class to the state tournament.
More than 190 girls tennis programs participated in the 2025 season, and adding a third class can provide more opportunities for programs across Minnesota — particularly for mid-sized schools — to advance to the highest level.
“It gives more teams that usually never get a chance to make it to state a better opportunity,” longtime Eastview Tennis coach Jeff Olsen told Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop last year. “So it’s been well received throughout the state, and I think this is gonna be the new way for tennis in the future.”
The 2026 Girls Tennis season officially kicked off in Minnesota on August 17th, with matches eligible to begin on the 20th. The season will culminate with the State Tournament scheduled to take place Oct 27-30, 2026 at the following locations.
Class A: Inner City Tennis
Class AA: Life Time Bloomington South
Class AAA: Baseline Tennis Center, University of Minnesota
Credit: Minnesota Star Tribune
Rochester Mayo will be a team to watch this season, after capturing the inaugural Class AAA state title last year — beating the third-seed Minnetonka team 5-2. The Spartans have been a dominant force in recent years, winning back-to-back state titles in Class AA in 2023 and 2024. In Class A and AA, last year’s state tournament saw two programs capture their first state title — Rock Ridge High School claimed the Class AA title and St. James earned the championship in Class A.
Edina continues to lead the state in total team championships, with a whopping 35 titles. Twenty-three of those championships came under the leadership of legendary coach Steve Paulsen, who was recently featured in Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop’s Customer Spotlight.
Thousands of girls participate in tennis across the state each year, and the sport offers benefits both on and off the court. Beyond building physical fitness, tennis can help develop mental resilience, confidence and lasting connections with teammates.
With another season underway, Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop wants to wish all players, coaches and families a safe and successful season — have fun and good luck!
