The Republic tennis team enters the 2025 season with six returning seniors complemented by promising underclassmen. That blend of experience and emerging talent gives coach David Smashey reason for optimism in his final campaign at the helm.
“We’re returning a really good core from last year,” Smashey said. “Everyone looks bigger, stronger, better than a year ago… We can compete with anyone.”
Smashey said he expects at least one starter from each class—senior through freshman—to challenge for a spot in the starting lineup.
Senior Gavin Collyott, who has committed to play tennis at Iowa’s Cornell College, played number one singles and doubles last season. “He’s coming back bigger, stronger, better, more experienced. He looks really good. And he’s our leader,” Smashey said. “He’s put in the hard work, and his teammates… respect the work he’s put in.”
Cooper Choate enters his senior season after three years as a key contributor, particularly in doubles. His power stands out on the court.
“Cooper’s a big kid, big serve, big forehand. The ball makes a tremendous sound off his racket,” said Smashey. “He has enough power that he doesn’t really have to push the limits to control a match.”
Senior Andrew McCord gained valuable experience playing number one doubles with Collyott last year. “He’s been in the fight with the best players in the area, and he can hang,” Smashey said. “Andrew is a really good athlete. He’s sneaky fast. He’s kind of smooth. Doesn’t look like he’s going very fast but gets to everything.”
Boston Henry, the fourth senior, brings technical precision to his game. “Boston is a really clean ball striker. He hits the ball really nicely, and he’s very competitive,” Smashey said.
Kyle Cunningham adds competitive spirit to the senior class. “Great attitude, loves to play, loves to compete, makes our team better, just our culture more competitive and more fun,” Smashey said.
Elijah Kennard rounds out the senior group. “Elijah is a really good and really strong athlete. His game has matured and he can now compete at a very high level,” Smashey said.
Junior Nathan Henry also vies for a varsity role after progress during the offseason. “Nathan improved a lot year over year, played a lot last summer, worked hard, took lessons, kind of rebuilt some parts of his game in a really intelligent way,” Smashey said.
Sophomore Raymond DeVries has also transformed his game. “Raymond also put in a lot of time last summer, and he looks completely different physically and on the court than he did as a freshman,” said Smashey.
Freshman Lucas Riffe arrives with skills that should translate immediately to varsity competition.
“Instant impact. Difference maker. Hard worker. Great athlete. Great shot maker,” Smashey said of Riffe. “I think Lucas is going to surprise people in the area… I think they’re going to be surprised how good he is right now.”
The Tigers’ roster strength extends beyond the starting lineup, creating internal competition for positions. “I think we’re COC varsity level through 9 or 10 (lineup slots),” Smashey said. “So I think that means that everyone’s going to have to stay on top of their game, everyone’s going to have to stay really focused, and everyone’s going to have to compete every day, whether it’s against Nixa or Kickapoo or against their teammates in practice.”
This spring marks Smashey’s final season as the Republic tennis coach, though he says he’s not yet focused on the finality of his tenure. “I keep expecting to have that kind of moment where it kind of feels different,” Smashey said. “But right now it feels just like we’re getting ready for a season.”
With the talent assembled on this year’s roster, the Tigers have an opportunity to cap Smashey’s coaching career with a successful final campaign.
