An undefeated season, 2a Overall Singles Champion – and just a freshman. Atlantic High School’s Kristina Ziegler capping off a perfect season at the 2015 State Tennis Championships, winning the 2A Girls Individual Singles Championship, as well as the Overall Singles Championship.
“I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting honestly from high school tennis, but I was surprised with some of my results honestly,” said Ziegler.
It’s the first state tennis title for Atlantic High School, and her head coach Vinnie Abbaleo says she is the best he has ever coached.
“She is absolutely the best tennis player I have ever coached. I’ve been here for 12 years and we had one girl who was very, very good that ended up getting a Division 2 scholarship to Newberry, but Kristina is much better than her,” said Abbaleo.
Working her way out of the middle of the bracket, Ziegler’s backhand gaining her many a point. But it was her focus and determination that won every match.
“The thing that I love about her game is her intangibles. Things that you can’t teach. Your heart, your determination, your will to win. The fight that she has in her. She fights for every point like it is set point against her. You have to earn points against her, she doesn’t give you anything.”
Winning a title and a medal in her first year on the high school court is just the start of a great high school career.
“I’m not really sure where to go from this now, now that tennis season is over. I am just really happy with my win and everything I have done this season. I guess just the best thing I can do is just defend my title next year. I just don’t know what to say honestly. I am still really in shock with all I have done.”
With all major goals accomplished in her first season, there is nothing to do but repeat next year.