News Summary

Caroline “CJ” Coan has made history by becoming York’s first player to win a state championship in girls tennis. She triumphed at the Class 2A singles championship on October 25, 2025, with a thrilling match against the top-seeded Helena Klooster, showcasing her determination and skill. Coan’s victory not only marks a monumental achievement for her but also highlights her hard work and the support she received from her family and friends. This success has inspired pride in the York community as they celebrate this landmark moment in their tennis program’s history.

Caroline Coan Makes History as York’s First Tennis State Champion at Class 2A Singles

York has something to celebrate as junior Caroline “CJ” Coan has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first player from the York tennis program to win a state championship. Coan triumphed in the Class 2A girls tennis state singles championship on October 25, 2025, during an exciting match held at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.

A Match to Remember

It was a showdown that tennis fans won’t soon forget. Coan began the day not just with her racquet in hand but also with a double dose of encouragement from two important people in her life. First was a call from her older sister, Josie, who currently plays tennis at Middlebury College in Vermont. The second came from former York teammate Lizzie Isyanov, now at the University of Illinois. Talk about a great support system!

Seeded second in the tournament, Coan faced the top-seeded Helena Klooster from Marist in what turned out to be an epic final match lasting almost three hours. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Coan battled it out against Klooster, with the final scores reading 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4. With this victory, Coan improved her impressive season record to 31-2.

Overcoming Challenges

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. During the final set, Coan found herself trailing 3-0, but rather than giving up, she showcased her incredible determination by pulling the score back to 3-3. In a critical moment, she broke Klooster’s serve in a nail-biting 5-deuce game, tying the set at 4-4. Coan employed a range of techniques, using slicing and lobbing to counter Klooster’s low, hard shots.

In the dramatic moments leading to victory, Coan executed a stunning overhead smash to break Klooster’s serve, clinching her historical win. The cheers from her supporters filled the air as she celebrated this monumental achievement.

More Than Just a Win

Coan’s victory is a testament to her hard work and strategic play, a sentiment echoed by her coach, Kara Dollaske. Coan had initially set humble goals for herself at the very start of the season, hoping simply to finish in the top four of the state tournament. She certainly exceeded all expectations!

Other Highlights from the Championship

CJ wasn’t the only player making waves that day. In the doubles category, Wheaton Warrenville South’s sister duo, Riley and Reese Lepsi, delivered an impressive performance, finishing the season undefeated at 29-0 after defeating Hinsdale Central’s Lauren Panveno and Sophia Virmani with scores of 6-0, 6-2.

In addition to the singles and doubles excitement, the team championship for Class 2A was taken by New Trier with a total of 33 points, marking their third consecutive title. Stevenson and Hinsdale Central were neck and neck, tying for second place with 28 points each. Notably, Conant and Wheaton Warrenville South secured fourth place, with Conant celebrating their best team performance in history.

Celebrating Talent

Another notable mention was Emma Blass from Stevenson, who received the Class 2A Tom Pitchford Sportsmanship Award, showcasing the spirit of friendly competition that runs deep in Illinois high school tennis.

As York celebrates Caroline Coan’s incredible journey and her landmark achievement, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. With a bright future ahead, Coan has inspired many in her community. Cheers to her victory and her contribution to York’s proud tennis legacy!

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