Finishing with Success as the Tennis Season Comes to an End
Ali Kennedy hits a volley at a match against Oakville High School.
December 7, 2021
The tennis season was a success for St. Joe. They have achieved many accomplishments like winning team state and placing with honors in the individual tournament. They also had successful turnouts in out-of-state tournaments including Edwardsville, Chicago, and Kansas City. Likewise, their impressive record was 20-1, the one and only loss coming from Adlai Stevenson High School. The St. Joseph’s Academy tennis team is made up of talented individuals that have made a name for themselves throughout St. Louis. The team is made up of twelve players.
The fierce lineup includes Abby Gaines (junior), Ellie Choate (senior), Bella Hong (senior), Ashley Behan (freshman), Alice Kennedy (freshman), Morgan McKinnis (senior), Heidi Gaertner (senior), Megan Nguyen (senior), Mackenzie Goloskomi (sophomore), Johanna Jachana (junior), Caroline Conaty (senior), and Libby Dunaway (freshman).
Ellie Choate is one of the main reasons the tennis team has had so many accomplishments. Known as one of the senior captains, she helped the team place first at state and placed second at the individual tournament.
“This season has had many of its ups and downs, but I am glad we had such a successful season. Going out with gold at the end is the best way to finish my senior year,” Choate said.
Alice Kennedy is one of two freshmen that contributed to the team. She had high expectations as it was her first year competing in high school.
“Tennis has been a great way to get immersed into the St. Joe community. It was super exciting to go to the state and make unforgettable memories with the team,” Kennedy said.
Behind the whole team is Coach Douglas Smith. Coach Smith has been inducted into the Hall of Fame and has been coaching for ten-plus years.
“First of all, it was a tremendous year overall. I told the girls that it would take both skill and will and that will is often the more important one of the two, although we certainly have the skill,” Coach Smith said.
