Just five short years ago, Little Miami men's tennis was struggling to even field a team. But under the leadership of head coach Laura Boulton, those dark days are a dim memory.

The Panthers have produced 17 all-Southwest Ohio conference honorees including two Athlete of the Year honors and a Coach of the Year award for Boulton in 2018.

Heading into the first year in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, Boulton said the Panthers will be relying on three seniors to help make the transition.

"I expect leaders to be T.J. Meyer, Justin Rogers and Jason Brown," she said. "I expect my entire team to positively lead in a way that compliments each player's strengths."

Both Meyer and Rodgers earned all-conference honors playing for Boulton; Meyer as a singles player, Rodgers in doubles.

To make up for a lost 2020 season, Boulton said her team has been hitting the practice courts hard.

"We have been putting in lots of court time in the off season," she said. "I am looking forward to playing different teams in the ECC. Our goal is to finish in the top five."

Boulton is in her 22nd year of coaching at Little Miami and has coaching help from Brian Charlton (JV) and Alex Kronenberger (varsity asst.)