Ever since Pioneer Valley’s inception, the athletic department has strived for excellence in all sports. Despite that effort, however, there’s one sport that’s had a bit of trouble in gaining a spot in CIF: tennis. But that’s about to change with help from sophomore Caitlyn Brown.
“I feel great about Caitlyn Brown,” said tennis coach Kevin Ilac. “She is nice to have on the team because she can guarantee a consistent three wins.”
Coach Ilac, who just this year picked up the tennis reins, was first impressed with Brown last year when he coached a game.
“She was placed fourth in PAC 7, but they only take the top three to CIF,” he explained.
In the end, she barely lost in a 2 1/2-hour match with a senior.
She was a freshman at the time.
Ilac has high hopes of Brown. Her current record is 9-0, and she plans on being part of the select few tennis players who will be able to compete in the prestigious CIF.
Brown may have just barely shaken off the Pioneer Valley rookie status, but she’s not a stranger to the court.
“I started playing seven years ago, when I was 8,” she said. “At that time, I was swimming, but I wanted something new, so I picked up tennis.”
Since then, she’s collected about 10 tournament wins, and has gained the respect of her coach and teammates.
And she isn’t stopping anytime soon. Brown plans to play tennis in college—her eyes are focusing on UCLA and CSU San Diego. After that, perhaps a professional career is in store. Look out Anna Kournikova, there’s someone on your tail.
This article appears in Sep 24 – Oct 1, 2009.