The Wesco 3A and 4A District Tournaments were dominated by alums of the Summer Smash this week, who punched their tickets to next week’s State Tournament. The Snohomish doubles team of Emerson Norris and Hannah Wells took the title in 3A, with Everett’s Halle Burt joining them in doubles, while singles players Paige Oliver of Edmonds-Woodway, Emily Lin of Shorewood and Sydney Wright of Meadowdale all placed. In 4A, Jackson’s Shubhi Handa earned a spot at State in singles, while her sister Isha Handa and Allie Jansen of Glacier Peak will both be going in doubles.

Veterans of the Snohomish Summer Smash and Junior Smash dominated the Wesco 3A and 4A District tournaments that just concluded, earning trips to the Tri-Cities in May for State. Jackson’s Ben Lee won the Singles Championship in 4A, while the Kamiak duo of Aaron Lee and Josh Lee did the same in 4A Doubles. The following also earned their tickets to compete in the Spring: Henry Park, Jackson; Jason Yee and Jackson Stumpf, Glacier Peak; Russell Anderson, Edmonds-Woodway; Will MacDonald, Snohomish; Calvin Rice, Shorecrest; Milo Gasser, Mount Vernon.

Community roundup: Locals claim doubles title at Summer Smash

The COVID Pandemic caused a tennis free year, and the players of the Puget Sound were itching to get out and play! One Hundred Thirty Two players from over 30 high schools showed up at the Snohomish High School courts to duke it out and have a little fun at the same time.

1. How long have you been playing tennis?  I have been playing tennis for 11 years. 
2. Where do you practice?  I practice at Harbor Square Athletic Club. 
3. Do you play other tournaments?  I played the Grizzly Open in 2019, and the HSAC tournament in June 2021. 
4. What is your proudest accomplishment so far in tennis?  I am proud of being the #1 singles seed for Meadowdale for the last three years. I’m also proud to be captain of my team. 
5. Do you have a favorite player? I like Coco Gauff because she’s young and very talented. It will be fun to watch her career.  
6. How would you describe your game?  I try to play tennis aggressively, consistently and strategically. 
7. What are your future plans in the sport?  My future plans are to have a great Senior year at Meadowdale! I would also like to play tennis in college so I’m looking into that right now.

1. How long have you been playing tennis?  I have been playing tennis since the summer before 4th grade, so 8 years now. 
2. Where do you practice?  I usually practice at the Kamiak tennis courts, but I also have played at tennis clubs such as Columbia and Mill Creek. 
3. Do you play other tournaments?  I try to play USTA tournaments throughout the year, and I have also played in other local tournaments as well when they arise. 
4. What is your proudest accomplishment so far in tennis?  My proudest accomplishment so far in tennis has been playing as the Varsity Singles 1 player at Kamiak since my freshman year, it’s a role that I take great pride in having and one that I always work towards being worthy of. 
5. Do you have a favorite player? My favorite player is Roger Federer, he’s the reason why I started playing tennis and I love the elegance he exudes whenever he steps on the court. 
6. How would you describe your game?  I would describe my game as unconventional. I love to mix in different strokes such as slice, dropshots, and lobs into my game to keep my opponents from getting into a comfortable rhythm and I like to move my opponents around.
7. What are your future plans in the sport?  My future plans with tennis aren’t completely clear yet, but what I do know is that it will always be an important aspect of my life and be a lifelong recreational activity I can enjoy.

1. How long have you been playing tennis?  I have been playing tennis for 7 years.
2. Where do you practice?  I practice at the Mill Creek Tennis Club.
3. Do you play other tournaments?  I have played other USTA tournaments.
4. What is your proudest accomplishment so far in tennis? My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming the number one varsity singles player on my school’s tennis team.
5. Do you have a favorite player? I really admire Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.
6. How would you describe your game?  I can’t really describe my game very well other than saying I love long rallies and playing strategically.
7. What are your future plans in the sport?  I just wish to play tennis for as long as I can and have fun as well as continue to improve.