The girl’s tennis team at De Soto High School has undergone a lot of changes recently, especially relating to the new United Kansas Conference. One major difference, however, is that two students, instead of just one from DHS, have qualified for State this year.

    Both third-time qualifier junior Issa Sullivan and senior Bailey Ramsdell will be competing at the 5A State Tournament at Emporia High School Oct 12-13.

    For Ramsdell, this is the first time she has ever qualified for State.

    “I definitely wasn’t expecting to qualify for State. However, it was my goal and what I’ve been working for my entire high school career,” Ramsdell said. “I am very excited, and it was probably the highlight of my senior year so far.”

    Although this will not be Sullivan’s first time competing at State, the pressure does not go away so easily.

    After placing third at State her freshman year and fourth this past year, Sullivan hopes to place higher than in previous years. She knows that will be a challenge with tough competition especially from the Wichita area.

Even though she is excited just to qualify, Ramsdell would still like a solid showing in her final high school tennis event.

    “I don’t have many expectations for State because I know I have a tough draw going in, but I hope I can still place in the top 12,” Ramsdell said.

    Before Regionals, the tennis team had an opportunity for the first time in DHS history to play in a conference tournament.

    For Sullivan, “It definitely helped boost my confidence,” while Ramsdell claims that although it didn’t necessarily prepare her for Regionals, she felt it “was good to get extra matches in and be able to participate in the first conference [tournament], even though we didn’t win.”

    Overall, all of the girls’ hard work has led to this final moment of the season, where their passion and talent will truly show.