Rising Stars Shine: Meet the 2025 All-County Girls Tennis Team!

Frostproof, Florida, USA - The sun shone brightly over the Beerman Family Tennis Center as excitement filled the air during the Polk County Boys and Girls Tennis Tournament. Among the standout players was Auburndale’s McKenna Battilla, a name that echoed in anticipation for the singles finals. Unfortunately, Battilla’s season was cut short due to a knee injury sustained during the soccer playoffs, preventing her from defending her county champion title this year, as noted by The Ledger. This injury served as a bittersweet backdrop for an event showcasing remarkable talent and competitive spirit.

This year’s county title buzz centered not only on Battilla but also on Nya Kerr from Santa Fe Catholic, who similarly faced injury woes towards the latter half of the season. They weren’t alone in their struggle; many players pushed through the challenges, making this season memorable. Notably, Jada Hutto from McKeel and Hannah Windham of Frostproof both showcased their prowess, clinching district titles. McKeel’s girls‘ team took it a step further, winning the regional title and making a run in the state tournament, as The Ledger reported.

Shining Stars

McKenna Battilla’s path to becoming the Player of the Year has been nothing short of inspiring. After dominating the court as a freshman, she found her sophomore season derailed by injury but returned this year to reclaim her standing. Alongside Battilla, The Ledger highlights other exceptional talents like Hanna Windham, who boasted an impressive 9-0 record, and Jada Hutto, who wrapped up her regular season undefeated at 14-0. Their achievements contributed richly to a strong showing of talent across the county.

The accolades didn’t stop there. Valerie Kendrick, a former county champion turned coach, earned the Coach of the Year award after leading McKeel to district and regional victories. Her dedication and experience undoubtedly played a significant role in her players‘ remarkable success this season.

Competitive Spirit

On the boys‘ side, Winter Haven’s Ben Saltman emerged victorious in his No. 1 singles final against defending county champion Nico Kumria from George Jenkins. Saltman’s performance was impressive, securing a win with a final score of 7-6 (7-1), 6-3. The match was a nail-biter, reflective of the competitive spirit that characterized the tournament. Saltman, not performing at his best, showed resilience—holding off a late push from Kumria and showcasing three consecutive aces that swung momentum back in his favor. This journey echoed the challenges faced by fellow athletes like Battilla, reinforcing the adage that every setback can lead to a stronger comeback, as noted in Yahoo Sports.

As the tournament wrapped up, it marked not just the end of a competitive season but the beginning of preparations for the upcoming district tournament, where athletes like Saltman are expected to shine once again. With players like Briley Davis and Ciara Smith from McKeel clinching wins in their matches, the excitement surrounding these talents is palpable.

Reflecting on this season, there’s much to celebrate, despite the injuries and hurdles many faced. The players, coaches, and supporters have shown that the spirit of tennis in Polk County is alive and thriving. Here’s hoping next season brings continued success and triumphs on and off the court!