Article by Phoenix writer Jazmeen Osae-Kwapong ’26:
After a series of hard fought matches against St. John the Baptist on October 8, the Kellenberg Girls’ Varsity A Tennis Team claimed a 4-3 victory and secured the NSCHSAA League Championship title.
This win is monumental for the team because they were able to overcome their league rival, St. John the Baptist, as a perfect end to their season.
The girls showed determination throughout every match and displayed the skills they worked hard to perfect. Mr. Powers, the team’s coach, explains, “Each day at practice the girls work very hard during individual skill drills. We also spend a considerable amount of practice time working on doubles drills and the girls really spend a lot of time playing with their partner.”
The effort the team put into practicing truly paid off as they harnessed their skills during their singles and doubles matches. Victoria Atkinson set the tone early with her confident and commanding performance. Bella Gaylor followed with an equally remarkable performance, securing another key win for Kellenberg.
Captain Emma Wagner and Lena Costanza worked flawlessly as a unit, staying sharp under pressure to earn their match win. To conclude the matches, Ali Milone and Gabby Garcia combined strong serves and impeccable teamwork in their tied fourth doubles match to overcome their opponents, earning the championship victory.
The team was able to become League champions because of their cohesiveness as a group. The girls created an unwavering bond through hours of practice, retreat, and Adoration. Emma Wagner credits the faith-filled Adoration the team had prior to the game with boosting morale and pushing them to perform their best.
However, the team’s success did not come without trials during the season.
Victoria Atkinson, another of the team’s captains, recalls, “There were a lot of injuries so we had to readjust, and throughout the season we had a few losses. But we came back and won the championship.”
Despite the setbacks, the team was able to pull through, a true testament to their unyielding resolve.
Mr. Powers recounts, “The girls really worked so hard this year, so seeing that hard work pay off was a truly amazing feeling. I was extremely proud of the team for not letting the nerves of the championship match get to them.”
