SPRING 2009 PEAK PERFORMERS: Girls' tennis

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Fountain Valley senior Clarke Tatje went 20-3 this season and represented the Danes at the 4A state tennis tournament, where she placed third by avenging a loss from a week earlier in the 4A regional championship against Cheyenne Mountain junior Kristina Barber.

For her consistent play and strong effort, Tatje is The Gazette's Girls' Tennis Player of the Year.

How does it feel to be player of the year?

I thought about it last year when I took second, but my first goal this year was to win state. I've talked to girls that have won it in the past and they said it felt nice, and it's an honor to win it.

What was your proudest accomplishment of the season?

I think that regionals were great, because although I got second the team really played the best they had all year. Seeing our No. 1 doubles team of Remy Albert and Elizabeth Tenney come together was great.

How was it playing at state for the second year in a row, and taking third?

I've played in big tournaments a lot before, but it was more difficult this year because it seemed like every match I was playing against a girl that had her whole team there to support her.

What was the most exciting moment of the season?

Winning my last match at state against Kristina (Barber) because she beat me pretty bad at regionals. I played a great match against her to get third in the state.

How was it to go to state with No. 2 singles teammate Kim Gehling?

It was amazing because we weren't very close at the beginning of the season, but we have become good friends, and she was so supportive of me all season. She is one of the nicest girls I've ever met and is a great player.

How did it feel to represent Fountain Valley the last four years?

I would much rather play for Fountain Valley than for a huge school. I know everybody here and they were all very supportive of our team.

How long have you been playing tennis?

I started playing when I was 6. My dad put me into a lot of sports when I was little and I really got into it when we moved to Australia when I was 8.

What are your college plans?

I'm going to Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., to play Division II tennis, and I'm going to study pre-veterinary medicine. They have a great team and coaching staff there.

What is your favorite color?

I don't have a set favorite, but I like to wear blue dresses.

What is your favorite food?

Any kind of sushi, especially tuna and eel.

What is your favorite thing to do outside tennis?

Go flying with my dad. We have a Cessna 182 and I'm hoping to have my pilot's license by the end of the summer.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic. I grew up watching the Magic in Florida, and I didn't really used to like the NBA but I have watched this season a lot.

What celebrity would you most like to meet?

Andy Roddick. The first time I saw him was when he was 19 at the Australian Open and I knew he was going to be great. Then he won the U.S. Open three years later and I was so excited.

Which tennis player do you model your style after?

Martina Hingis. She was my tennis idol while growing up.

What is something that people might not know about you?

Some of my favorite movies are guys' movies with lots of violence. I love "Green Street Hooligans" and "Boondock Saints" the most.

Where is your favorite place to go?

Hawaii. I think Oahu is my favorite island. My mom grew up there and both of my parents went to the University of Hawaii.


COACH OF THE YEAR

When you're the girls' tennis coach at Cheyenne Mountain, expectations can be somewhat high. At a school where tennis state championships are a way of life, Dave Adams has had tremendous success, and in 2009 he led the Indians to their second title in three years.

For coaching a team that went undefeated in dual meets and won the state title, Adams is The Gazette's Girls' Tennis Coach of the Year.

"This is a very nice honor, and the way these girls came on this year was very fulfilling to watch," Adams said. "The fun thing about coaching this team is that I was able to teach them so much more than just fundamentals."

Adams took a team with only three seniors and molded them into a machine that dominated at every dual before doing much the same at regionals and state.

The Indians proved to not only be the best team in 4A, but also defeated 5A state powerhouse, Cherry Creek in a dual meet.

"This team was just so deep with talent that our doubles teams were also great," Adams said.

"The close competition in practice made the team even better, and when we got to state all of the girls were comfortable and confident."

The Indians might be stronger and more dominant next season, as they return eight of 11 players, including No. 1 singles player Kristina Barber, who placed fourth in the state, and the state champion No. 2 doubles team of freshmen Katie Stagnaro and Kristen Sullivan.

"Kristina wants to be an elite player, and it takes a lot of experience," Adams said.

"We will be strong next year, but there are some Denver teams losing even less talent then we are, so it's going to be tough."

Even though his team achieved perfection, Adams says there is always ways to improve.

"These girls are well-skilled, but they still have a lot to learn and I'm excited to help them keep improving," Adams said.




FIRST TEAM

Clarke Tatje

Sr., Fountain Valley No. 1 singles

Went 20-3 and defeated Cheyenne Mountain foe third place in 4A at the state tournament

Kristina Barber

Jr., Cheyenne Mountain

Finished 17-4 and defeated Tatje for the regional No. 1 singles title and led the Indians to their second team title in three years

Adriana Wojakowska,

So., Palmer

Her 14-2 record in 5A No. 1 singles included a regional championship and advance to second round of 5A state. Was the best 5A player in the area

Ryann Warner

Sr., Pine Creek

Her 13-5 record at 5A No. 1 singles included a regional championship.

Kim Gehling

Sr., Fountain Valley

Compiled a 22-1 record at 4A No. 2 singles. Placed third in state. Defeated Cheyenne Mountain twice in two weeks to place third and win earlier regional title.

Meha Semwal

Sr., Cheyenne Mountain

Recorded 17-4 record while helping the Indians to an undefeated team season, placed fourth at state.

Erin Conley

Jr., Rampart

Her 9-2 record at 5A No. 1 singles included losses to Wojakowska and Warner.

Amy Marquit

Sr., Cheyenne Mountain

One half of No. 1 doubles that went 20-1 with wins over Cherry Creek and Pine Creek and placed third in the state tournament.

Kalyn Miller

Jr., Cheyenne Mountain

Paired with Marquit at 4A No. 1 doubles and placed third in state.

Gina D'Silva

Sr., Pine Creek

One half of 5A No. 2 doubles state champions who also cruised through regional.

Jamie Pledger

Sr., Pine Creek

Half of 5A No. 2 doubles champs (17-1).




SECOND TEAM

Nikki Amos: Jr., Rampart

Chrissy Tickel: Sr., St. Mary's

Julia Hubbard: Sr., Pine Creek

Kameo Kardel: Jr., Lewis-Palmer

Melanie Stowell: So., Air Academy

Emily Venner: So., Cheyenne Mountain

Laura Johnson: Sr., Colorado Springs School

Katie Stagnaro: Fr., Cheyenne Mountain

Kristen Sullivan: Fr., Cheyenne Mountain

Rachel Kosbab: Jr., Pine Creek

Sarah Kosbab: Fr. Pine Creek




HONORABLE MENTION

Kelly Anderson, junior, Palmer; Allie Wilson, freshman, Doherty; Suzanne Iwata, senior, Air Academy; Maria Finger, junior, Lewis-Palmer; Lauren Ford, senior, Doherty; Claire Myers, senior, Air Academy; Emily Lawrence, sophomore, Palmer; Anjelica Daneshfar, senior, Pine Creek; Frances Adams, freshman, Cheyenne Mountain; Katie Boe, sophomore, Cheyenne Mountain; Kristen Lux, senior, Cheyenne Mountain; Anne Elder, senior, Cheyenne Mountain; Elise Cimino, freshman, Doherty; Molly Frick, senior, Doherty; Val Bordelon, senior, Air Academy; Kateri Kaltenbacher, junior, Air Academy; Corri Morgan, senior, Colorado Springs Christian School; Jamie Harrison, senior, CSCS.