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Queen Of The Court

Lake Placid’s Sydney Stewart Leads All–Heartland Tennis Team

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Lake Placid senior Sydney Stewart posted an impressive 15-1 record at No. 1 singles, which included winning the Heartland Conference tournament.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: May 29, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Sydney Stewart never thought she was good at tennis.
The Lake Placid senior, who played four years on varsity, made her final season on the court an impressive one and perhaps changed her own mind, posting a 15-1 record at No. 1 singles, which included winning the Heartland Conference title.

"It's kind of crazy because I never thought that I was that good at tennis," said Stewart, who will attend Auburn University in the fall. "I kept working on my game and I never let other people's expectations limit me."

Stewart, who was also an outstanding swimmer and goalkeeper for the Green Dragon soccer team, also made it to the singles finals at the Class 2A-District 9 tournament in Sarasota.

"Sydney is a talented player who worked hard to improve her game," said first-year LP coach Jennifer Moore. "She was patient, smart, mentally strong and always gave her best effort."

For her ability, accomplishments and leadership qualities, Stewart has been selected as the 2008 Highlands Today's Girls Tennis Player of the Year.

"I enjoy playing tennis because it's you against the other person and there's no one else to blame for your mistakes," Stewart said. "I enjoyed my high school career, especially finally winning the Heartland Conference title, and it was great to play for coach Moore because she was always encouraging us."

Stewart's versatility on the court and off will be missed.

"Not only is Sydney a good athlete and student, but she's also a leader and a great person," said Moore. "She is well-rounded and involved in other school and community activities.
"We're going to miss her, but I know she'll do well in the future."

The Team
ANGIE CARILLO, SENIOR, AVON PARK Playing at No. 1 singles, Carillo went 7-3 for the Red Devils. Carillo also played at No. 1 doubles and scored valuable points for her team.
"Angie was aggressive and wasn't afraid to try different shots," said first-year Avon Park coach Don Hickman. "She was consistent and always gave her best effort on the court."

MARY MIDENCE, SENIOR, SEBRING Playing at No. 1 singles, Midence posted an 8-4 record, and teamed with Kelsie Johnson at No. 1 doubles to win the Heartland Conference title as well as the District 9 championship.
Midence and Johnson qualified for state and lost in the quarterfinals in Orlando.
"Mary was an outstanding player and a team leader," said Blue Streak veteran coach Janie Hollinger. "She set the bar for the rest of the team and will be greatly missed."

BAILEY BARBEN, SENIOR, AVON PARK Playing at No. 2 singles, Barben went 13-1, won the Heartland Conference title and made it to the district finals. She also went 7-2 at No. 1 doubles with Carillo.
"Bailey had a complete game," said Hickman. "She kept the ball in play and had a good assortment of shots.
"She was very competitive and always gave a good effort."

KELSIE JOHNSON, SOPHOMORE, SEBRING Playing at No. 3 singles, Johnson went 9-3 and won the Heartland Conference singles title. She teamed with Midence to win the No. 1 doubles title at the Heartland Conference event and at the District 9 tournament to qualify for state.
"Kelsie improved tremendously during the season," said Hollinger. "She is smart, works hard on her game, and I expect great things from her next year."

ASHLEY FALIS, SENIOR, AVON PARK Playing at No. 3 singles in only her second year of varsity, Falis went 7-4 for the Red Devils. She won the Heartland Conference singles title.
"Ashley learned to use the lob shot and it helped her game immensely," said Hickman. "She is very coachable and she picked things up quickly."

MELISSA TULLO, JUNIOR, AVON PARK Playing at No. 4 singles, Tullo went 8-4 and won the Heartland Conference singles title.
"Melissa improved a lot over the course of the season and really surprised some people," said Hickman. "She has a lot of potential and should be a force next year."

ASHLEY JIMENEZ, SENIOR, SEBRING Playing at No. 4 singles, Jimenez went 10-2, but missed the district tournament because of illness.
"Ashley was a steady player who improved a lot," said Hollinger. "She was a coaches dream and it's too bad she didn't get to play in the district tournament."

LEEZA FREELAND, SENIOR, SEBRING Competing for only the second year of varsity tennis, Freeland, who is also an outstanding swimmer, played at No. 5 singles and went undefeated at 9-0. She won the Heartland Conference and District 9 titles to help the Blue Streaks qualify for regionals.
"Leeza is a natural athlete," said Hollinger. "She is very competitive and had an outstanding season."

Honorable Mention
SHEELA JOSHI, SENIOR, SEBRING Playing at No. 2 singles, Joshi went 4-6 and made it to the finals of the Heartland Conference and the semifinals of the district tournament at No. 2 doubles.
"Sheela worked hard and gave everything she had," said the Blue Streak coach.

ALYSSA KARIOFYLLIS, JUNIOR, SEBRING Kariofyllis showed great versatility by playing at several different positions in singles and doubles for the Blue Streaks.
"Alyssa improved tremendously during the season and was able to play in different spots for us," said Hollinger. "She should be a force next year."

Coach Of The Year
For guiding Sebring to a second-place finish in the Class 2A-District 9 tournament and a berth in the regionals, Sebring coach Janie Hollinger has been selected as Highlands Today's Tennis Coach of the Year.

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