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Niwot Senior Sports Spotlight: Girls Tennis

Girls tennis was one of the few Niwot programs to complete matches before the coronavirus pandemic put a premature halt to the 2020 season, and if the Cougars' early 2-0 record is any indication, they were on a fast track back to the top of the statewide rankings. Leading the charge for Niwot were four highly experienced varsity seniors, who were all eager for a chance to bring home another Class 4A championship and cement their legacies in Niwot tennis history.

"These four seniors have been a big part of Niwot girls tennis success over the past four years, all of them being a big part of winning a state title in 2018 and a runner up in 2019," head coach Aimee Keronen said. "I know they would have done amazing things yet again this season too. They will be sorely missed and I wish them the best."

We asked the departing seniors to reflect on their time at Niwot and share their post-graduation plans.

Annie Heinritz-3 Doubles

Annie Heinritz amassed an 20-2 record in her three seasons as a Niwot varsity doubles player, netting one state title and two regional titles. As a junior, she and her partner took third overall at the Class 4A state championships.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation are to attend Denison University and I hope to play some tennis while I'm there.

Before it was canceled, what were you looking forward to most about the 2020 season?

I was looking forward to playing with my partner Emily Creek again this year and playing at the state tournament again.

What is your favorite memory from your time on the Niwot tennis team?

A highlight from my time on the tennis team was definitely winning state my sophomore year. It was such a fun team and the whole season was fun, so winning state was the perfect way to end the season.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Some advice I have for an incoming freshman is to enjoy the sport. It can be very frustrating sometimes, so if you can't have fun during the matches the season won't be very fun.

Lily Sieben, 1 Doubles

Lily Sieben is a fourth-year varsity veteran, who was looking to win a third straight state doubles title for Niwot. In four seasons with the Cougars, she amassed a 29-3 record and won three straight regional titles.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend Merrimack College in Massachusetts to study athletic training and possibly play tennis.

Before it was canceled, what were you looking forward to most about the 2020 season?

Before the season was cancelled I was most looking forward to spending my senior season with my friends and our state trip to Pueblo.

What is your favorite memory from your time on the Niwot tennis team?

My favorite tennis memory from Niwot was winning state as a team and individually sophomore year.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Advice I have for any incoming freshman is to try to have fun and not take things too seriously.

Maedee Trank-Greene, 2 Doubles

Like senior teammate Sieben, Maedee Trank-Green was looking forward to competing for her third straight state doubles title at this year's championships. Heading into the 2020 season, she had a 30-3 overall record.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be heading to the University of Colorado Boulder to study applied mathematics and mechanical engineering. I plan on joining the club tennis team at CU Boulder.

Before it was canceled, what were you looking forward to most about the 2020 season?

What I was really looking forward to this season was the state tournament. The state tournament is always the highlight of the season and I was really hoping on winning for the third time and hopefully bring home an individual and team state title.

What is your favorite memory from your time on the Niwot tennis team?

My favorite memory from my time in Niwot athletics was winning state as a team in my sophomore year. I just remember the moment when all of us knew that we had won and it was the best feeling ever.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Advice that I would have for incoming freshmen is to not take for granted the opportunities that you are given. High school flies by and is it important to make the best out of it. Be a part of things that you find fun and make you happy because the memories and friends that you will make will last a lifetime.

Tehnley White, 1 Doubles

Senior Tehnley White is another fourth-year varsity veteran, who capped off her junior season with a third-place finish in 3 Singles at the 2019 Class 4A state tennis championships.

 

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