BROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES

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Girard, OH – Junior Myleigh Broll is quickly making a name for herself on the Girard girls’ tennis team, earning the moniker “Ironman” for her relentless dedication and determination. Despite picking up a tennis racket just last year, Myleigh has shown remarkable growth and passion for the sport, driving her team forward and inspiring both peers and coaches. “At first, I just wanted to try something new,” said Myleigh. “But the moment I stepped out on the court, I realized I loved it. I couldn’t disappoint my team, so I went all in, practicing day in and day out.”

Myleigh attributes much of her success to her rigorous training regimen, which includes taking additional lessons and dedicating countless hours to practice. The Girard tennis program, led by Coach Silverman, who Myleigh praises for his ability to foster confidence and provide unwavering support, has been pivotal in her development. “Coach Silverman may not know everything, but his approach makes him the best in my eyes,” she noted. The team’s collaborative spirit and her coaches’ guidance have continuously boosted her performance and drive.
Tennis is known for its mental challenges as much as its physical ones. Myleigh candidly admits her mental strength on the court is still a work in progress. However, she’s developing routines to improve her focus and confidence. “I take deep breaths, close my eyes, and envision positive images, especially of my family,” she said.

Beyond tennis, Myleigh is an all-around student-athlete, excelling in the classroom and engaging in various extracurricular activities. She particularly enjoys baking, science classes, and math, credited to her teacher Mrs. Aduchi. Outside school, she participates in softball and is an avid football fan, enjoying both high school games and the NFL. Looking ahead, Myleigh is contemplating a future that keeps her close to her roots. “I want to delve into sports medicine and prefer to stay near home for college,” she shared, mentioning her admiration for campuses like Notre Dame.

As Myleigh continues to juggle her burgeoning tennis career, academic pursuits, and personal interests, she remains grateful for the support from her family, friends, and coaches. “I would not be where I am without them,” she emphasized. Myleigh Broll exemplifies the spirit of commitment and passion, making her a shining example of perseverance and dedication at Girard High School. With her unyielding drive and supportive community, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.m For more insights into Myleigh Broll’s journey and Girard girls’ tennis, tune into the latest Girard Tennis player profile where Myleigh shares her experiences and aspirations.

 

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SILVERMAN SERVING UP GOLD

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GIRARD, OH—At just 14 years old, Cameron Silverman had an epiphany that tennis was her calling. Now, as Girard High School’s number one singles player, Silverman, a junior, has amassed an impressive 10-3 record this season. Having picked up her first racquet at age four and sporadically engaged with the sport in her early years, it wasn’t until her mid-teens that she truly embraced tennis with fervor.
Despite facing the challenges of a new program and the mental battles inherent in the sport, Silverman credits the camaraderie and supportive energy of her team, as well as the guidance of her devoted coaches, for her success. “It’s crazy to me. I’m so grateful,” she said, reflecting on the coach’s pivotal role in her journey.

Silverman’s disciplined approach includes self-evaluation after matches and listening to instructional videos to refine her strategies. She emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, advising, “You have to kind of forget the bad points and just move on.”
A history enthusiast off the court, Silverman excels academically and has a particular fondness for historical studies. Known for her leadership qualities, she often draws inspiration from her uncle, a police officer who faces daily challenges with resilient optimism.

Silverman acknowledges the complexity of competing against friends but remains driven by the broader rewards awaiting her. “There’s a bigger reward at the end of the journey,” she says. Moreover, Silverman enjoys healthy pre-match snacks like Clif Bars, but she admits to indulging her sweet tooth with post-match treats such as cookies and cream ice cream.

Wrapping up her heartfelt shout-outs, Silverman thanked her parents, twin sister Addison, coaches, teammates, teachers, staff, and the athletic director, who made the tennis club possible. “It was an honor to discuss Cameron’s journey in tennis, and with her dedication and support system, the sky’s the limit for this rising star,” said Anthony Hartwig. Girard is fortunate to have Cameron Silverman, a remarkable player on and off the court, as a part of their community.

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HITTING DIMES ON THE COURT

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BOARDMAN OH- In the bustling halls of Boardman High School, the tennis courts resonate with the sound of ambition and hard work, largely thanks to junior tennis standout, Dimitra Coutris. Recently spotlighted in a Player Profile, Dimitra opened up about her journey, leadership, and the bonds that make her pursuit in tennis both rewarding and impactful. With the departure of a significant senior class last year, Dimitra and her fellow juniors stepped seamlessly into leadership roles. It wasn’t just about filling the shoes of their predecessors, but about fostering an inclusive team environment for the younger players, particularly the incoming freshmen. “We wanted to make sure everyone felt included,” Dimitra shared during the podcast. “We did some activities to ensure everyone was comfortable with each other.”

Her inspiration stems from past leaders like Brianna Birdie and Emily Yerko, who paved the way for her to embrace leadership. Dimitra recalls their influence fondly, crediting her success to their early guidance and ongoing support.

Dimitra’s tennis journey began at ten years old, when her mother enrolled her and her siblings in various sports. While her brother found a passion in soccer and her twin sister took to golf, Dimitra was drawn to the tennis court. This individual choice has since blossomed into a significant part of her identity, driven by a mix of personal determination and familial support. The podcast also delved into the mental rigor of tennis, a sport that requires as much psychological resilience as physical prowess. For Dimitra, this has been an area of marked improvement. “I’ve definitely learned how to calm myself and stay present,” she said, highlighting the importance of mental focus in her matches.

Off the court, Dimitra excels academically with a 3.9 GPA, admitting that the transition to high school demanded a new level of dedication. Her passion for English and support from influential teachers like Mr. Pollini and Mrs. Marinucci have bolstered her academic journey.
Beyond her personal achievements, Dimitra’s involvement in the “Big Spartan, Little Spartan” program underscores her commitment to mentorship and community. “It’s amazing to see how much of an impact you can have on these young kids’ lives,” she reflected, realizing the importance of role models in shaping the next generation.

A big Greek family with unwavering support stands behind her, a fact Dimitra cherishes deeply. Whether it’s attending her tennis matches or sharing laughter and memories, her family’s presence fuels her drive both on and off the court. As the season advances, Dimitra’s growth in doubles play with her partner Nina has become a point of pride, showcasing her adaptability and teamwork. Her story is one of continuous learning, resilience, and a profound sense of community—an inspiration to her team and all who know her.

In gratitude, Dimitra extends thanks to her parents, grandparents, and Coach Joanne, who has been a pivotal figure in her tennis journey from the very start. With a promising future ahead, both in academics and athletics, Dimitra Coutris continues to be a beacon of leadership and dedication at Boardman High. We can’t wait to see what milestones she will achieve next.

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PAYTON PAYS OFF THE WORK

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Boardman, OH — In a remarkable journey from underclassman to a prominent team leader, Boardman High School junior Payton Konnerth is making waves on the court. With no seniors on the girls’ tennis team this year, Konnerth has stepped up to fill the void, providing essential leadership and guidance to her younger teammates. “It’s definitely different than in the past when I’ve been the underclassman,” Konnerth reflected. “But now, since there are no seniors, the juniors are the oldest girls. We really had to step up and become the leaders of the team.”
An avid tennis player since the age of seven, Konnerth’s early memories of playing at Applewood Swimming and Tennis Club showcased her resilience. Despite facing challenges due to suboptimal courts, she honed her skills through dedication and passion, often practicing with her supportive father.

“He started to get more serious as I did,” Konnerth said of her father’s growing interest in tennis. “He watches more videos, learns more about the game, and does all he can to help me get better.” Konnerth credits a significant part of her growth to the solitary nature of tennis, a sport that demands both physical acumen and mental fortitude. “You really have to lock in and hammer down on focus,” she commented. Her leadership skills have flourished as she leads stretches, prepares teammates for matches, and offers invaluable advice.

Her enthusiasm extends beyond personal achievement; Konnerth delights in seeing the sport’s growing popularity within the Youngstown community. “It’s really good to see, because it is a smaller sport, and I think everybody should try it,” she remarked on the increasing number of tennis programs in local schools. Balancing her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, Konnerth maintains a remarkable 3.9 GPA. She attributes her success in the classroom to her perseverance and willingness to seek help when needed. “I’m not afraid of a challenge. I will talk to my teachers and make sure that I know it before a test,” she explained.

Her journey is also supported by influential teachers like her math instructor, Mrs. Rohan, and her art teacher, Mrs. Sears, who have provided invaluable support. As Konnerth continues to lead her team through the season, she maintains a humble perspective, expressing gratitude to her family, friends, coaches, and teachers. With another year ahead to further cement her leadership, Payton Konnerth is undoubtedly a rising star both on and off the tennis court.

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MOONEY’S STRONG START CONTINUES

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Mooney is off and running in the first few weeks of the season.  On Tuesday the Cardinals defeated Warren JFK to move their record to 5-1 on the season.

Match scores:

1st singles: Brooke Campbell (Mooney) def. Saumya Sheth 6-3,6-2 2nd singles: Abigail Markey (Mooney) def. Emily Sweeney 6-3,6-2 1st doubles: Alexa Vargo and Roselyn Wade (Mooney) def. Andrea Ryan and Ella Economus 4-6,6-2,6-4.

TIGERS TOO MUCH FOR FITCH TO HANDLE

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HOWLAND OH- Howland girls tennis crushed Austintown Fitch on Monday night with a clean 5-0 sweep.

In singles, Halina Bakeris dominated Aurora White (6-0, 6-0), Avery Gebhardt blanked Lizzie Pfeffer (6-0, 6-0), and Reagan Homa took down Rachel Snyder (6-4, 6-0).

In doubles, Rylie Homa and Natalie Summers outplayed Rachel Spalding and Samantha Severn (2-6, 4-6), while Sydney Votino and Baylee Martinich defeated Claudia DeRhodes (2-6, 3-6).

BEAVER LOCAL TENNIS STARTS OFF WITH WIN

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The Beaver Local Tennis Team kicked off their 2024 season at home against the tough McDonald Blue Devils. Fueled by a marathon singles victory and a couple of clutch doubles wins, the Beavers edged out the Blue Devils 3-2.

Junior Kara Wain put the Beavers on the board with a gritty 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win over Ava Kuntz in a match that lasted over two and a half hours. Despite trailing 2-1 after singles play, the Beavers fought back. Senior duo Addi Mobley and Kennedy Wilkes rallied to win their doubles match 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, keeping the team’s hopes alive. Chesney Knapkiewicz and Bella Graleski sealed the deal with a straight-set 7-5, 6-3 victory.

Next up, the Beavers hit the road to face the Salem Quakers in an early morning showdown at 9:30 AM. Let’s see if they can keep the momentum going!

 

*Contributed by Josh Sigler and blathletics.org

ORANGE DOMINATES AT DISTRICTS

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AKRON, OH-  Orange tennis teams have been making waves, and this year’s D2 Akron district tournament was no exception. For the third time in four years, the doubles final featured an all-Orange showdown, and for the third straight year, the singles champ was also a Lion.

The Lions have a history of strong doubles teams, and this year was no different with senior co-captains Ace Bloom and Gabi Kalir leading the charge. But the real surprise came from juniors Adam Saab and Gabe Guiler, who took an unconventional path to the title match.

Saab, who splits his time with the varsity soccer team, has been a standout on the ‘B’ tennis squad until this season. His transition to a starter, alongside Guiler, has been nothing short of impressive. They battled top-ranked opponents like the Hawken duo of Piazza and Snyder, and the University School pair of Kirchick and Weidenbecher. Their win against US was particularly thrilling, as they rallied from a 4-6, 1-4 deficit to clinch a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. Although they lost the final to their teammates, both Orange doubles teams are poised for favorable draws in next week’s state tournament at the College of Wooster.

Senior co-captain Chika Nwaozuzu continued his dominant season, clinching the district singles title with wins over Heartland Christian’s Cooper Grim and University School’s top player Dean Kirchick. Nwaozuzu, along with the two doubles teams, will represent Orange at the state tournament on Thursday and Friday at the College of Wooster tennis center at 9 am.

ORANGE WINS CVC CHAMPIONSHIP

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Beachwood-  Congratulations to the boys tennis team on Saturday as they won the CVC Championship for the Chagrin Division on Saturday by holding off Hawken.  Earning first team all CVC were as follows:

  • Ben Pomeranets (1st Singles)
  • Krish Mehra (2nd Singles)
  • Ishan Bhatt (3rd Singles)
  • Chika Nwaozuzu (1st Doubles)
  • Gabi Kalir (1st Doubles)
  • Ace Bloom (2nd Doubles)
  • Gabe Guiler (2nd Doubles)

Earning honorable mention in the CVC were Daniel Suh & Sunjay Wychoff.  

Final Scores

  1. Orange- 25
  2. Hawken-  19
  3. Beachwood- 14
  4. Chagrin Falls- 8
  5. West Geauga- 7
  6. Harvey-  0

*Story contributed by Tim Porter

WARRIORS DO WELL IN SECTIONALS

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MASSILLON OH-

The Warrior tennis squad traveled to Massillon today to Jackson Park for OHSAA Sectional Tournament play.  The Warriors had a nice showing with Ally Zion moving on to Thursday’s round.Results from today:

West Branch singles-Ally Zion won two matches today 6-3, 6-4 vs Alliance and 6-0, 6-2 vs Norton.  She will play Thursday against Marlington’s Elizabeth Mason.

LilyAnn Bonar won two matches today against Coventry 6-0, 6-0 and Claymont 6-1, 6-2 before losing her 3rd match to Canton Christian 4-6, 4-6.

Autumn Johnston lost her first match to Canton South 6-7 (4-6), 2-6.

In doubles action: Kate Slutz and Niah Muniz defeated Orville 6-4, 5-7, 11-9 and then lost to Canton South 4-6, 2-6.

Sophia McDonald and Iris Shofroth lost to Norton 6-0, 6-0.

*Contributed By Ryan Wolf at wbathletics.org