Sullivan qualifies for State for second straight year
Sophomore also earns metro award from 41 Action News
Sophomore Issa Sullivan receives the Channel 41/Hyvee Athlete of the Week from a Hyvee representative while before practicing at Kansas City Racquet Club on Oct. 10.
Sophomore Issa Sullivan strikes a served during her championship match at the 5A Regional Tennis Tournament held at De Soto High School on Oct. 7.
De Soto High School hosted one of the 5A tennis high school Regionals on Oct. 7. The Wildcats finished fourth as a team, and sophomore Issa Sullivan won the Regional title in singles to qualify for KSHSAA 5A State Tennis Championships.
There were seven schools who competed for spots at state. Sullivan faced Catherine Rieke From St. James Academy in the championship, which was a rematch from last year where Sullivan fell short.
“[Rieke] was my one loss last year during the season [before State] and it was nice to get the win so I am more confident going into State,” Sullivan said.
For head coach Justin Hoffman, having a home tournament is a lot of work but for the girls it helps by playing on the court they practice on.
“For the girls, playing at home is beneficial because they are used to how the court bounces as courts bounce different ways,” Hoffman said.
Sullivan for her efforts was named the Channel 41/HyVee Athlete of the Week in the Kansas City metro area and will be featured on 41 Action News sometime during the week of Oct. 15-21.
Sullivan, who finished third at State last season, is proud of her hard work so far this year, and she hopes to improve on her finish at State which will be held at Maize South High School outside of Wichita this Friday and Saturday.
