In high school sports, it's not every day that you come across an athlete who leaves everyone in awe. Carly A. ’25 has done just that with her dominant performances on the tennis court this season. Her talent and humble, soft-spoken nature have impressed her teammates and coaches. She has raised the bar for her team but has also become an inspiration to her peers on campus.

Bigger crowds are flocking to the tennis courts to watch her play. Carly is undefeated in three matches as the #1 singles player, with most of her matches lasting roughly 30 minutes as she makes swift work of her opponents. She picked up a convincing 6-0, 6-0 victory against Drew, 6-1, 6-1 against Lick Wilmerding and another 6-0, 6-0 victory against Urban. She was on track to be 4-0 during her match against Marin Academy, in which she won a set and led in another, before rain forced the players off the court. This much is evident: she's a force to be reckoned with in high school tennis.

We caught up with Head Coach and Tennis Director Rob Jessen as he set up for practice, who was more than impressed with her abilities. When asked about his first impression of Carly, he exclaimed, “My first impression was WOW.” He continued, “She hit the ball so well, it was crazy.” It wasn’t just the coach who was taken aback by her skills. Carly’s teammates were equally astonished. Her prowess on the tennis court left them speechless, with jaws wide open, emphasizing her incredible impact on her team.

Carly's playing style is as versatile as it is impressive. Her coach said, “She can play any style she wants. She can stay back and rip ground strokes, and she can attack the net with ease.” Her adaptability and versatility make her a formidable opponent and an asset to her team.

Carly’s addition to the team has not only elevated the performance of her fellow players, but has also positively influenced the team dynamics. She has easily secured wins, adding crucial points to the team's overall score. Her willingness to support and motivate her teammates, regardless of their skill level, makes her even more remarkable. She readily practices with anyone on the team, contributing to her personal development and fostering a sense of unity within the group. “I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the team, and that's because my teammates and coaches have welcomed me with open arms,” Carly said with a warm smile. “I felt their love from day one, which has played a role in my good start. I’m enjoying my time on the court, and I hope to continue improving alongside my teammates each day and contributing to the program.”

We invite our community to join us at the SD tennis courts on Thursday, October 19 for the season’s final match against International. Enjoy an evening of high school tennis and cheer for Carly and her team as they continue their push for playoffs. We hope to see you there!