After 10 years of playing.  After she finishes the hit. As her college career opens. As her high school career closes. After it is all said and done, senior Risa Takenaka finishes her high

school tennis with three top four state finishes.

“I really wanted to win,” Takenaka said while talking about her state match. “But I am still happy with my senior year of tennis and the joy it has brought.”

After finishing first in the GAC doubles and singles tournament, first at Districts, first at Sectionals, and a 17-1 regular season record, Takenaka was ready for her final shot at the state title. She hoped to recreate the glory of her sophomore year win at State. And for the second year in a row, St. Joseph Academy sophomore Caroline Elena Pozo beat Takenaka 2-0 in the state tournament Pozo took Takenaka out in the semifinals last year but the two didn’t mean until the finals this year.

“I trained harder than ever in the off season,” Takenaka said. “I practiced 18 hours a week, ran before school, and wrote down how I thought I was doing in practice.”

This intense practicing Takenaka was doing was motivated by great role models in her life. Whether that be her parents cheering her on, coach Kate Kleiber directing her in practice, or her individual coaches Mike Miller and Billy Gluch, Takenaka has had a role models in her life from when she started playing 10 years ago, to her upcoming college tennis career.

“I can’t wait till college and everything it is going to bring,” Takenaka said. “High school tennis feels lonely in a way, while college tennis is going to be a close team experience.”

Takenaka is either looking to play at Providence College (Division 1) or University of Chicago (Division 3) for tennis pending her acceptance to either school. After college tennis, Takenaka is undecided on whether to continue her tennis career. Takenaka wants to enjoy a non- stressful senior year and doesn’t want to take the rest of high school too fast.

“Senior year I have gone out to every practice and match and enjoyed myself,” Takenaka said.

Takenaka has realized to enjoy high school tennis over the more competitive club tennis she plays in the offseason. She has really enjoyed being around her best friend Rachael Mecklenburg and her little sister Yuri Takenaka on the tennis team and will miss their presence in college. High school tennis has been great for Takenaka, but she knows all good things come to an end. Overall, high school tennis for Takenaka has been a great ride she will never forget.

“Doing tennis freshman year was the greatest decision of my life,” Takenaka said. “I have met some of the greatest people and have made some of the greatest memories in my life.”

The match ends. A door closes shut. A new door opens. After 10 years of playing tennis, Risa Takenaka is hungry for more.

“I like tennis and I can’t live without it,” Takenaka said.