Hinsdale Central girls tennis enters the 2026 fall season as one of the top challengers to three-time defending Class 2A state champion New Trier.

The Daily Herald named the Red Devils, along with Stevenson and Conant, among the teams most likely to dethrone New Trier in a season preview published Monday, Aug. 31.

The case for Hinsdale Central starts with how last season ended. At the Oct. 25, 2025, IHSA Class 2A state tournament, the Red Devils tied Stevenson for second place with 28 points. New Trier claimed its third consecutive team title with 33. Conant tied for fourth with 23 points.

The Red Devils pushed deep into the bracket. The doubles team of Lauren Panveno and Sophia Virmani reached the state final before falling to Wheaton Warrenville South's Riley Lepsi and Reese Lepsi, 6-0, 6-2. Sydney Shuster and Anika Sarai went 5-2 in doubles. In singles, Asha Sarai finished 3-2 and Julianna Radonjic went 3-2.

"Our theme of the weekend was, 'Prove it,'" coach Shawna Zsinko said after the October 2025 state tournament. "They all played well and did everything I wanted them to do. They left it all on the court."

Zsinko also acknowledged the depth of competition across Illinois high school tennis.

The 2026 season is already underway. Hinsdale Central's fall sports programs began competition Aug. 13, according to The Hinsdalean. The varsity tennis team was scheduled to face crosstown rival Hinsdale South on Aug. 23, and the JV2 squad opened with a win over Lake West Elgin on Tuesday, Aug. 25, according to the HCHS Athletic Department.

Five points separated Hinsdale Central from New Trier at state last October. Whether the Red Devils can close that gap will play out over the coming weeks of West Suburban Conference play.