On March 7th, the Utopia High School tennis team traveled to Waco, Texas, to compete in the 2A and Under State Team Tennis Championships on March 8th and 9th. The team included Luke Leavelle, Lawson Leavelle, Meagan Cole, Kinsley Cox, Darren Lackey, Hallie Moore, Lilly Moore, Taylor Wiekamp, Jay Cantu, Addison Burgin, Krisjen Manis, and Coach Stacey Keeney.
The Utopia buffaloes fought hard against four different teams and dominated them all. In the first round of 16, they played Austwell Tivoli and won with a score of 8-1. The quarter-finals were against Wink, and the final score was 7-2. The semi-finals were against Sonora, and Utopia won by a score of 7-4. Finally, the team brought home the state championship by beating Christoval High School by a score of 7-2.
Afterward, Coach Keeney talked about how he felt about the win. “Two years ago, when TTCA began the 2A and under State Team Tennis, Utopia placed fourth. Then, last year, Utopia placed third. The Seniors set a goal to win it all this year. I knew we could do it with the hard work and dedication the kids put into the tennis program all year. With 16 teams at the Team Tennis Tournament ( 3- 1A and 13 – 2A), our tennis team would have to battle with strong tennis programs in the tournament. I was so proud of how our kids played, competed, and dominated the tournament. I am so thankful for the support from our community, parents, and administration. Our kids love playing and representing Utopia.”
