News Summary

Richmond, Virginia, recently witnessed a remarkable day in high school tennis with three teams achieving historic victories. The Douglas Freeman girls clinched their fifth consecutive state title, while Maggie Walker celebrated its fourth straight title. Midlothian broke a 79-year championship drought with its first state title since 1944. These exceptional performances showcased teamwork, talent, and determination, promising a bright future for high school tennis in the region.

Tennis Triumphs: A Day to Remember in Richmond

Richmond, Virginia, was buzzing with excitement as three high school tennis teams celebrated historic victories at the state championships, showcasing incredible talent and teamwork. With sunny skies and passionate fans, it was a day dedicated to sportsmanship, hard work, and the thrill of winning.

Douglas Freeman Girls Tennis: Building on Success

First up, the Douglas Freeman girls tennis team made the headlines by clinching their fifth consecutive Class 5 state title in an impressive 5-0 victory over Cox. The championship match took place at Huntington Park in Newport News on June 12, 2025, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and enthusiasm.

The team’s coach, Larry Parpart, touted the depth of the squad as a pivotal factor in their success, especially since the team returned only two players from last season. The fresh faces brought a new energy, and it clearly paid off. Their winning matches were nothing short of exhilarating:

  • No. 2 Madison Gerecke triumphed over Valentine Renault with a score of 6-2, 6-2.
  • Junior No. 3 Nikki Rajan dominated her match against Ashtyn Ricks, winning 6-1, 6-0.
  • No. 4 Lily Brooks bested Alex Gen with a score of 6-2, 6-4.
  • Freshman No. 5 Marisa Burke shone brightly, winning 6-1, 6-2 against Maya Katherman.
  • No. 6 Annie Flippin secured her victory 6-1, 6-3 over Cede Martello.

While the No. 1 player Paige Suter was leading 5-1 when the match was called, her teammates had already driven the point home with their stunning performances. The junior class features a strong roster of sophomores, indicating a bright future ahead for the team. With an impressive overall GPA of 4.3, these young athletes clearly excel both on the court and in the classroom.

Maggie Walker Girls Tennis: A Legacy of Victory

In another thrilling showdown, the Maggie Walker girls tennis team also wrote its own chapter in history by achieving their fourth straight state title. They topped Western Albemarle with a solid 5-1 victory. Coach Matthew Ruskan credited the leadership of the talented senior trio—Martina Ribera, Anusha Algappan, and Anna Kim—who have only lost once in their entire four-year high school careers.

Here’s how the matches unfolded for Maggie Walker:

  • No. 2 Ella Wiatt achieved victory over Amanda Bilchick, scoring 6-2, 6-4.
  • Junior No. 3 Sunjana Finn fought hard, eventually winning against Grace Zhang with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 10-3.
  • No. 4 Algappan secured victory with a score of 6-2, 6-4.
  • No. 5 Sophia Schaffernoth dominated her match against Iz Brann, winning 6-2, 6-3.
  • No. 6 Anna Kim clinched her match with a powerful 6-3, 6-0 victory.

Maggie Walker demonstrated not only skill and strategy but also resilience, continuing their remarkable legacy of excellence in tennis.

Midlothian Trojans: Breaking a Long Drought

Meanwhile, the Midlothian Trojans achieved a monumental milestone, securing their first state title since 1944 after a stunning win against Hickory, finishing the match with a dominating 5-0. The excitement was palpable as they competed at Huntington Park.

The matches were a showcase of Midlothian’s talent, with key victories from players across the lineup:

  • No. 1 Jack Swartzwelder wrapped up his match early with a spectacular 6-0, 6-0 win over James Jenson.
  • Matches on lines 2, 3, 5, and 6 also contributed significantly to this momentous win.

Coach John Dinardi expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication throughout the offseason and their stellar performance during the finals. This win is not only a victory on the court but also a testament to the hard work and collaboration that these athletes have put in over the years.

A Celebration of Achievement

The victories by Douglas Freeman, Maggie Walker, and Midlothian have set the stage for future generations of high school tennis players in Richmond. On this significant day, they showcased that through teamwork, determination, and grit, anything is possible. Congratulations to all the teams for demonstrating sportsmanship and excellence in high school tennis—here’s to many more seasons of athletic triumphs!

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