Senior Risa Takenaka, of the Varsity Girls’ Tennis team plays for the State Championship on October 17 through October 18 in Springfield, MO. The tournament will take place in a complex near Missouri State University.

“It’s exciting that we have Risa playing at state every year,” teammate and friend Rachel Mecklenburg said. “Her success represents our school in a positive way, and it’s fun to have someone go that far and to have someone to cheer on.”

To be able to play in the state tournament, a player must win at Districts and Sectionals; Takenaka is the only player on the girls varsity team to do so. Takenaka will face players from other schools near FHSD: like Lafayette, Marquette, and Kirkwood at state. This will be her last high school tournament. She wants to go on to play for a Division 1 college tennis team next year.

“It would be amazing if she could be state champion her senior year, but no matter the outcome we are all so proud of her for coming this far.” teammate and sister Yuri Takenaka said.

Takenaka last won state two years ago, her sophomore year, and came in fourth last year. According to Takenaka she hopes to win this year because it is her last chance to do so. The other girls tennis players have been cheering and supporting Takenaka at all her championship games. The whole team and coach Kate Kleiber are proud of how far Takenaka has come and all the accomplishments she has achieved for the team and for her personal goals.

“I think Risa has a good chance of winning state again.” Yuri Takenaka said. “She has some tough competition, but she’s been playing great the entire season. She just needs to have a positive mindset throughout the whole tournament.”