All-State Tennis: Seacoast Players Shine
The 2024 high school tennis season saw a significant milestone: the establishment of All-State teams for boys and girls tennis. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by Portsmouth girls head coach Wendy Poutre, brought together coaches from various divisions and leagues to recognize the outstanding talent across the state.
“It’s fantastic to be able to formally acknowledge the exceptional student-athletes who dedicate themselves to tennis,” said Dover girls head coach Sue Vitko, highlighting the importance of this new recognition system. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players.”
This year’s All-State selections showcase the impressive depth of talent in the Seacoast region. From first-team honors to Player of the Year accolades, Seacoast athletes have made their mark on the New Hampshire high school tennis scene. Let’s take a closer look at the players who earned well-deserved recognition.
- Establishment of All-State teams for boys and girls tennis in the 2024 high school tennis season.
- Recognition of outstanding talent across the state by coaches from various divisions and leagues.
- Seacoast players from Dover, Exeter, Portsmouth, Winnacunnet, and Oyster River shine in Girls Tennis All-State teams.
- Players like Tory Vitko, Katie Rocha, Sophia Jundi, Stella Sebeny, Mia Botnick, Clea Gibson, and Ana Seifert earn well-deserved recognition for their exceptional talent and dedication.
Girls Tennis All-State: A Sea of Talent
The Seacoast was well-represented in the Girls Tennis All-State teams, with players from Dover, Exeter, Portsmouth, Winnacunnet, and Oyster River earning accolades.
Division I: Top Honors
In Division I, Dover senior Tory Vitko and Exeter’s Katie Rocha were selected to the First Team All-State. Coach Sue Vitko described the honor as a fitting “punctuation mark” on her daughter Tory’s impressive high school athletic career.
Dover freshman Paige Wilson’s strong debut season earned her a spot on the Second Team All-State. Her freshman year was a testament to her dedication and talent, as she made a significant impact on the Green Wave.
Division II: A Trio of Champions
Portsmouth’s Sophia Jundi, Winnacunnet’s Stella Sebeny and Mia Botnick, and Oyster River’s Clea Gibson all received First Team All-State honors, showcasing their dominance in Division II.
Oyster River’s Sophie Gibson and Portsmouth’s Avery Porter were named to the Second Team All-State, further solidifying the Seacoast’s presence in Division II.
Division III: A Rising Star
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Ana Seifert was a Second Team All-State selection in Division III. Her performance demonstrated her potential and solidified her position as a rising star in the state.
Boys Tennis All-State: A Season of Success
The Seacoast boys tennis teams also delivered outstanding performances, with several players making their mark at the state level.
Division III: A Dominating Duo
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Alex Molda was crowned the first-ever Division III Player of the Year, a testament to his extraordinary abilities on the court. His father and head coach, Adam Molda, was also recognized as co-coach of the year, a testament to the family’s dedication to the sport.
Alex Molda’s impressive 31-0 record in both singles and doubles, coupled with his semifinal finish in the state singles individual tournament, solidified his claim as the top player in Division III. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and his future in tennis is incredibly bright.
Ryan Whiting, also of St. Thomas Aquinas, was named to the First Team All-State, further highlighting the Saints’ dominance in Division III. His leadership both on and off the court was key to the team’s success.
Division I: A Second Team Double
Exeter’s Oliver Barardino and Nate Bigelow were both selected to the Second Team All-State in Division I, showcasing their strong performances.
Division II: First Team Honor
Portsmouth’s Jiles Tracz earned a well-deserved spot on the First Team All-State in Division II. His dedication and talent were evident throughout the season.
Winnacunnet Warriors: Second Team Recognition and Sportsmanship Award
Winnacunnet’s Chris Berry, Luke McLaughlin, and AJ McLaughlin all earned a spot on the Second Team All-State in Division II, demonstrating the Warriors’ strength as a team.
The Winnacunnet Warriors were also recognized for their exceptional sportsmanship throughout the season. This award is a testament to their commitment to fair play and respectful competition.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s All-State selections are a testament to the rich history of tennis in the Seacoast region. These dedicated student-athletes have not only achieved impressive results on the court but have also demonstrated the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. They inspire future generations of tennis players to reach for their dreams.
As these young athletes continue to develop their skills and compete at higher levels, the Seacoast region will undoubtedly continue to be a hotbed of tennis talent. The future of tennis in New Hampshire is bright, and the Seacoast is poised to play a key role in shaping that future.
This recognition has undoubtedly fueled the passion for tennis within the Seacoast community. It serves as a powerful reminder that hard work, dedication, and a shared passion for the sport can lead to remarkable achievements. The Seacoast is proud to celebrate its All-State tennis players and eagerly anticipates the continued success of these talented individuals.
