Sophomore Sarah Zhou made school history this fall, becoming the first Beachwood girls singles player in over ten years to qualify for the District tournament. 

After earning fourth place at the Div. II Sectional tournament in Strongsville, Sarah secured her spot at Districts on Oct. 10, a milestone that reflects both her hard work and a standout season for the entire team. 

“This season was really great and I had a lot of fun,” Zhou wrote in an email. “We started off with a trip to the Cincinnati Open, which got everyone excited for the season. 

“I was proud of winning some really close and long matches during the season,” she added. 

Competing primarily at second singles, Zhou entered the season with modest goals. 

“My first goal was just making varsity,” she wrote. “We had new coaches, and I was out of town for a lot of the summer, so I didn’t know how tryouts would go. I just took every game one at a time.”

Zhou worked and had tried to make it to the tennis courts every night in order to improve. 

She also appreciates the support of her teammates and coaches. 

“My teammates, and especially the captains this year, Charlotte, Mattie and Ida, boosted the spirit of the team during our wins and our losses,” she said. “Charlotte [Doughty] actually came to support me at Sectionals seeding and at Districts.

Zhou has always been an extremely dedicated and persistent player.

“She is one of the most consistent players I have ever hit with,” junior Eva Zheng said. “She gets back every ball. That’s one of her talents.” 

Looking ahead, Zhou hopes to build on this year’s success. 

“Next season, I just want to improve step by step and hopefully make it to Districts again,” she said. “We’re losing four seniors, so I hope to help keep the team motivated and encourage new members.”