At the Baseline Tennis Center in Minneapolis, the Rochester Mayo Girls’ Tennis team celebrates its third consecutive Class 2A State Championship. (l-r) Front row: Ellie Elder, Melia Dean, Aoife Loftus, Anna Medina Second row: Emilie Loftus, Isla Huebner, Mia Zogbey, Greta Fichtinger, Lauren Kim, Emma Maleszewski, Grace Pickering, Madison Couser Third row: Ella Brinkman, Annabel Camp, Eden Bendel, Emmie Dean, Sanjana Jagadeesh, Dave Rider Back row: Brett Pauley
The Rochester Mayo girls’ tennis team cemented its dynasty this fall, capturing a third consecutive Class 2A state title at the Baseline Tennis Center in Minneapolis. Coming into the tournament with an undefeated season, dominant singles play, and remarkable team chemistry, the Spartans proved once again why they have become the standard in Minnesota high school tennis.
Depth and Dominance
Throughout the season, Mayo’s strength was evident. The team cruised through sections and did not lose a dual match all year, but the path wasn’t always easy. In a 4–3 regular-season win over then-No. 2 Minnetonka, Mayo played without No. 2 singles standout Aoife Loftus, forcing a lineup shuffle. The Spartans leaned on their depth and composure to stay perfect, finishing with a 76-match winning streak that ranks among the best in state history.
Coach Jeff Demaray said, “Top to bottom, this is probably the best singles lineup we’ve had the last three years,” pointing to the team’s ability to stay focused under pressure. That focus was on full display in the state final against Minnetonka, during which the Spartans swept the singles courts and sealed the match 5–2. From the first serve, Mayo set the tone with aggressive baseline play and calm composure that carried through every round.
At the individual state tournament, juniors Malea Diehn (left) and Aoife Loftus stand together after earning first and second place.
Singles Standouts
Two of the most successful athletes from this season were junior Malea Diehn and junior Aoife Loftus; both made deep runs in the individual singles tournament after leading the team to victory.
Loftus’ season was marked by resilience. Her toughest test came against Edina’s Cassandra Li, a player whose style forced her to adjust mid-match. “I had to step outside my comfort zone and play more offensively,” Loftus said. That adjustment paid off as she rallied from losing six straight games to win two sets decisively. Her approach summed up the team’s mindset all year: stay adaptable, never panic, and fight for every point.
Diehn mirrored that same mentality throughout the postseason. After clinching her singles win in the team final, she immediately ran to cheer on her teammates, a small moment that showed the team’s selfless spirit. “It’s all about trust and communication,” she said. “We’ve built that chemistry over the past few years, and it helps us play our best when it matters most.”
Earlier in the season, Diehn battled through a tough match against Mounds View in near-freezing temperatures. That test of grit, she said, “taught me the importance of focusing on the things you can control, and not what you can’t.”
A Championship Culture
Behind the trophies and score lines, what stands out most about Mayo’s success is its culture. Practices are structured but full of laughter, and players balance rigorous academics with early-morning workouts and long bus rides. That mix of discipline and joy has become the program’s identity. As Diehn put it, “Don’t forget to have fun. Tennis should be fun for you, and savor all of the memories you make with the team because it flies by.” With Loftus, Diehn, and several underclassmen returning next year, Mayo looks poised to keep its dynasty alive.
