Lindsey Newman
South Whidbey | Senior
The two-time Class 2A singles state champion is back for her senior year and looking for that third title.
“She wants it to be three,” South Whidbey coach Tom Kramer said. “She’s pretty competitive.”
Newman, who has lost just a handful of times in the past two years, shows a humbleness that impresses Kramer.
“She’s so darn low key about things.” he said.
Kramer also noted Newman’s style of play, which isn’t necessarily to overpower her opponent.
“She takes you by surprise,” Kramer said. “She lulls you to sleep and then you’ve lost. She’s not a typical first singles in a way.”
Elaine Baik
Kamiak | Sophomore
As a freshman, Baik went undefeated at districts, taking the District 1 singles crown on her way to a sixth-place finish at state.
“She works hard,” Knights coach Heidi Bloemker said. “She’s a very focused player and disciplined.”
Baik looks to pick up where she left off, and her strong work ethic could help her get back to postseason play, her coach said.
“She’ll come out with the same drive and focus on playing her game,” Bloemker said. “When she gets out on the court, she’s all about what needs to be done.
“She’ll certainly be a force to contend with.”
Anne Hamiter
Stanwood | Senior
After reaching the district tournament as a singles player last year, Hamiter is looking to mix it up a little bit during her senior season.
“If the time arises, she will be playing some doubles,” Stanwood coach Trudy Abrams said.
One of 10 seniors on Stanwood’s roster this year, Hamiter may be paired with junior Kallen Shaughnessy during a few matches.
“Anne is a really hard worker,” Abrams said. “She stays late after practice just to get some extra hitting time in. (Hamiter is) willing to play singles or doubles. She’s a real team player. Really likeable.
“I definitely enjoy having Anne on the team.”
Amanda Waldron- Michelle Nelson
Edmonds-Woodway | Juniors
Last year Waldren and Nelson were the district doubles champions.
“They didn’t place at state, but they had a good tournament,” Edmonds-Woodway coach Dan Crist said.
They both played singles throughout the season last year. They may take that same approach this spring, at least until the district tournament.
“They’re both good team players,” Crist said. “They’re good doubles players. They came in together as freshman and this will be their third year playing together.
“They’re good friends and they’re good players.”
Melanie Bjornethun – Katie Melnyk
Snohomish | Seniors
In a heartbreaking district match last season that determined the third doubles team to state, Bjornethun separated a tendon in her right hand. She continued to play, but eventually the Panther duo had to forfeit the match, finishing as the alternates to the state tournament.
Bjornethun underwent surgery to repair the tendon.
“They’re very similar and just tough kids,” Dick Jansen, Snohomish’s head coach said. “They are best friends. They are soul sisters. They are quite a pair.
“With the experience they have from last year … of course we have big expectations for them.”
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