REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL
• Head coach: Stephen Thornsberry, 1st year
• Last year: 4-6 4A Kingco League
• 2012 turnout: 32
KEY RETURNERS
• Sr. Sarah Du: No. 1 singles player and team co-captain looks to get out of Kingco this year and nail down her first state berth.
• Sr. Sophia Xu: Fellow talented singles player will push Du to excel and retain her top spot.
• Sr. Marissa Craig: Team co-captain will be at No. 1 doubles and is the squad’s vocal cheerleader.
TOP NEWCOMERS
• Soph. Faye LaFond: Powerful backhand game will serve her well as she vies for a singles spot.
• Jr. Haley Blatter: Developing good power and solid net play, can play doubles or singles.
BIG MATCH
• Redmond at Newport, April 26, 3:45 p.m.: The Knights are a tough team with a high number of club tennis players. A team win here will be a big confidence boost heading down the home stretch.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last December, former head coach Marceil Whitney resigned from her longtime position at Redmond High to realize her dream of opening a new public indoor tennis facility on the Eastside. The Outreach and Performance Tennis Center (OPTC) is located at 10822 117th Place Northeast in Kirkland.
COACH’S CORNER
“(We look) very promising, especially Sarah and Sophia who set the standard for the rest of the team. We hope to continue the high level of enthusiasm and commitment which Coach Whitney encouraged over the years. She will be greatly missed, but we wish her well at OPTC.” – Coach Thornsberry
OVERLAKE SCHOOL
• Head coach: Jim Uyesugi, 5th year
• Last year: 8-2, 2nd place 1A Emerald City League, 4th in state
• 2012 turnout: 24
KEY RETURNERS
• Jr. Emily Walter: Third-year returner made it to the state quarterfinals last year in doubles.
• Jrs. Claire Bond, Julia Robbins: Strong doubles duo has experience playing together and hopes to nail down a state berth.
TOP NEWCOMERS
• Fr. Catalina Otero: Outstanding freshman has already earned the No. 1 singles spot, has the speed, technique and determination to be a top player.
• Sr. Caroline Spencer: Very quick, and possesses strong ground strokes and a solid net game.
• Soph. Caroline Lauer: Consistent and versatile player, can play singles or doubles.
BIG MATCH
• Overlake at Forest Ridge, April 25, 3:45 p.m.: An away matchup at this loaded all-girls school will be stern test for the Owls, who may see some of the Ravens’ players again in the postseason.
COACH’S CORNER
“Our 2012 team will be competitive with a strong and deep lineup from No. 1 singles to No. 3 doubles. Forest Ridge and U. Prep also have deep lineups with very competent players at the top.” – Coach Uyesugi
BEAR CREEK SCHOOL
• Head coach: Susie Imam, 3rd season
• Last year: 2-8 Sea-Tac 2B League
• 2012 turnout: 14
KEY RETURNERS
• Sr. Katie Petrin: Captain has been on the team last three years. Has great leadership skills and is also a National Merit Scholar. Will be a force at No. 1 singles.
• Soph. Annalise Hastings: Coming back strong after an injury, very coachable and solid strokes.
TOP NEWCOMERS
• Jr. Elena Tagadiuc: Exchange student from Moldova is new to high school tennis, but has an unmatched passion and drive for the sport.
• Soph. Emily McBride: Strong contender for No. 1 or 2 singles spot has a solid net and backcourt game.
BIG MATCH
• Bear Creek vs. Seattle Academy (Marymoor), May 7, 4 p.m.: The Cardinals always field tough teams, and this matchup will let the Grizzlies know where they stand heading into that weekend’s league tournament.
DID YOU KNOW?
Emily McBride comes from a family of tennis players, and her father was a former high school state champion.
COACH’S CORNER
“We are in a strong league of great teams. I think our goal this season is to stay healthy and put our best effort, and improve with each match. We have four seniors and one exchange student on our team, but the majority of our Lady Grizzlies are younger and will gain valuable experience with each practice and match. I see this as a year to build on each small success.” – Coach Imam
