The Indian Hill School District celebrates the Indian Hill High School Varsity Tennis Team for winning the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Team (OTCA) State Championship on Saturday, October 21, at the College of Wooster. The Indian Hill varsity tennis team includes: Nayla Azarbeygui, Brooke Arington, Caroline Brown, Lilly Dwyer, Cassie Larsen, Lexi Larsen, Mckenzie Stoddard, and Sophia Thompson.
“From the first day of practice, we knew we had something extremely special with our tennis team,” said Indian Hill Athletic Director Brian Phelps. “I am so proud of our student-athletes, our coaches, and our families on the season they had culminating in at OTCA Team State Championship. Indian Hill tennis continues to be a dominant force in not only the city of Cincinnati, but also in the entire state of Ohio.”
“I love this team,” said state champion Lexi Larsen. “Our team energy, work ethic, determination, and vibe was the reason we won state. Every practice we would always have so much fun together which makes the hard work so much easier. I remember during the championship match all I was thinking was to do it for my team.”
"Going into Saturday there was a lot of stress on the team,” said state champion Cassie Larsen. “It was the moment we had been waiting for all season. We knew that we were capable of pulling it off, but there is always some added pressure when the thing you have been dreaming of is on the line. But in the end, we all worked for that exact moment all year long and it paid off.”
“This season has been the best one yet, and sharing this incredible moment with all my teammates made all of our work put into this sport so worth it,” said state champion McKenzie Stoddard. “I am beyond grateful for this unforgettable journey with these amazing girls. I wouldn’t want to end my tennis career with anyone else, and I am so glad that I get to leave this sport knowing that all of our hard work has finally paid off. This was the best senior season I could ever ask for.”
“It was one of the most exciting, and heart-warming moments that I will never forget,” said state champion Brooke Arington. “This team has worked so hard and I am just so proud of each and every one of us. Hard work really does pay off. I love these girls so much and I wouldn’t have wanted to win with anyone else.”
“Our relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with an unyielding team spirit is what ultimately brought the state title home,” said state champion Nayla Azarbeygui. “Our success as a team is a reminder that greatness is achieved not through individual brilliance but unwavering team unity.”
“We entered this season with one goal, to win the Division 2 State Championship,” said Indian Hill Coach Wade Ward. “I knew our team was strong and deep. It’s not uncommon to have a couple good players, but our entire team was stacked with eight strong players. These girls not only have talent, but they also have heart. They wanted the state title as much as myself, Coach Adam Wolter, and Coach Mike Piergalski. These student-athletes worked hard, won 21 straight matches, and accomplished what they set out to achieve in August; the D2 State Title. Our team is extremely proud of their year-round hard work, and we will all remember this experience and this team forever.”
In addition to the state championship team event, Braves also participated in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) singles and double state tournament October 19-20 at the College of Wooster. Indian Hill High School’s Sophia Thompson finished as the state runner-up in singles; Brooke Arington/Lilly Dwyer finished third in the doubles state championship; Lexi Larsen/Cassie Larsen finished tied for fifth in doubles.
The Board of Education will celebrate the state champions during the regular meeting to be held in the Indian Hill High School Multipurpose room at 6:30 p.m. on November 28; all members of the Brave Family are invited to attend.
Photo caption: The Indian Hill School District celebrates the Indian Hill High School Varsity Tennis Team for winning the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Team (OTCA) State Championship on Saturday, October 21, at the College of Wooster.