Inspiring Comeback: McKenna Battilla Shines in 2025 Girls Tennis Finals

Frostproof, USA - The high school tennis scene in Florida has been electrified this season, particularly with the performances of standout players in Polk County. The anticipation for the county title primarily revolved around the remarkable talents of McKenna Battilla from Auburndale and Nya Kerr from Santa Fe Catholic. Battilla, who made a stunning return from injury, successfully clinched the county and district titles, while Kerr faced her own challenges after missing the latter part of the season due to injuries. Not far behind them were Jada Hutto from McKeel and Hannah Windham from Frostproof, both of whom had noteworthy seasons, with Hutto winning district titles and making her mark as a top competitor.

The McKeel girls‘ tennis team also made headlines by winning the regional title and progressing to the state tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in the area this season. Most of the players named to The Ledger’s All-County First Team are expected to return next season, with the notable exception of Hutto, whose impressive high school career culminated in her senior year.

Returning Champions

This year’s Player of the Year honors went to none other than McKenna Battilla. A junior who previously dominated her freshman season, Battilla had to sit out her sophomore year due to an ACL injury, which she suffered in January 2024. Despite this setback, she made a triumphant comeback in 2025, winning all ten of her regular season matches with an outstanding record of 116-6. In the county tournament, she displayed her prowess by defeating Hannah Windham (6-1, 6-1) and Jada Hutto (6-1, 6-0) to secure the title. Battilla also matched her prior success by reaching the overall state semifinals, even though her journey in those final matches was tough, requiring her to withdraw due to cramping issues after playing approximately nine hours in high temperatures – a true testament to her grit.

“Despite my disappointment in falling short in the state semifinal, I am proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown through this experience,” Battilla said of her tournament experience. She has expressed a commitment to improving further, setting her sights on returning even stronger.

Acknowledged Coaching

Valerie Kendrick, the McKeel coach, was rightly celebrated as Coach of the Year. A former county and district champion herself and a Division-I player hailing from Polk County, her leadership was instrumental in guiding the McKeel team to dominate the district and regional titles this season. Her deep understanding of the game surely contributed to their success.

All-County First Team

On to the players who earned spots on The Ledger’s All-County First Team:

In addition to the first-team players, there were numerous honorees as well. Players such as Eme Abbruzzese from All Saints and multiple athletes from local schools like Bartow, Davenport, and Winter Haven received an Honorable Mention for their commendable performances during the season.

Injuries, naturally, play a significant role in the world of sports, and tennis is no exception. Players like Battilla need to be mindful of their physical health, as common injuries may range from muscle strains to knee issues, which can significantly affect performance. Fortunately, clinics and physiotherapy services across the area are dedicated to helping athletes bounce back stronger and healthier. Knowledgeable physiotherapists offer tailored treatment plans aimed at addressing and rehabilitating injuries, ensuring promising athletes don’t miss out on their chance to shine on the court.

As we look forward to the next season, there’s much to be excited about in the world of girls‘ high school tennis in Polk County. With emerging talents and seasoned athletes, the upcoming matches will surely be thrilling. Here’s to resilience, competition, and continued success for the players of Polk County!