Friday, May. 09, 2008

Singles Sensation

Tennis Journal

By John English

Contributing Writer

Marcus High School’s Emily Mathis has emerged as one of the top female tennis players in the state, and with good reason.

With great athleticism, what coach Kelly Langdon calls a "very well-rounded game," and following in the footsteps of another great Marauders singles player in Pavi Francis, Mathis went into this year’s state tournament feeling pretty optimistic.

"I was really happy with my performance at region," Mathis said. "I’ve tried to bring a determination to the team this year, in knowing that I can win. … I came into the season wanting to win district, and I am going to try to do my best at state."

Mathis finished second overall at the regional meet.

Mathis was a freshman when Francis was a senior at Marcus, and Mathis said the former three-time state tennis champion helped her and her game a lot."

"She gave me someone to look up to, and someone to push me to be where I am now," Mathis said. "She’s a great player and person. I just really wanted to be the same way."

Langdon said both Mathis and Francis are sound in all facets of their games and said the main difference between the two girls is their personalities.

"Emily is a lot more vocal on the court," Langdon said. "She is more outspoken than Pavi was. The thing that makes both of them successful is they both have all-around games; there really isn’t a weakness with strokes, volleys or serves. I just think that Emily has a little more emotion."

Langdon said he decided to switch Mathis to singles this season because she had previous experience playing singles and Langdon knew she could handle the transition.

"Last year, she played mixed doubles, but her freshman year, she played singles," Langdon said. "She kind of got an unfortunate draw … but, that year, she could have beaten the third or fourth seed down at regionals. I always knew she would do well."

The Marcus junior said she plays tennis in the fall, spring and summer, and said she will likely begin looking at colleges in July.

Mathis was eliminated in the state quarterfinal. Check the May 16 edition to read about Mathis’ experience at the state tournament.

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