How would it feel to win almost every time you stepped onto the court? How would it feel being called GAC Champions, ranked third at Sectionals? How would it feel being the only one on your side of the net, against the best players in the state – just you,

your opponent, your racket, and a tennis ball?
That’s what it would feel like to be Mandy Zielinski.

From Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 in Springfield, Mo., Zielinksi, a senior Varsity tennis player, competed against the best of the best in the state. As the only player competing as a representative from North, Zielinski was supported by the Varsity girls tennis coach, Kellie Hausner, as well as fellow members of the team.

“Just earning the opportunity to represent FHN makes [the team and I] proud,” Hausner said. “I think this is well deserved. She has worked hard for this.”

Leading up to State, Zielinski practiced each afternoon, individually, in order to prepare herself for the tougher competition and individual playing time as a singles player. In the regular season, Zielinski lost only one of her matches, coming so close to an undefeated season.

“When I found out [about her making it to State], I was just really excited for her,” teammate, junior Emily Alderson said. “It’s hard to qualify for State and she’s the first girl [from North] to go to State without playing as a pair.”

Before moving on to State, Zielinski had to compete at Districts. On Oct. 11, she played in Districts and placed second and the top two players from each district then competed at State.

“I freaked out when I found out,” Zielinski said. “I was in a good mood all week after that.”

However, at State, her luck did not seem to carry over from the regular season. Of the three matches she played, Zielinski only won her first. Even though she did not medal, she found more enjoyment in competing than winning.

“I had already made it that far,” Zielinski said. “I was just happy to be playing.”