TEUTOPOLIS — Teutopolis sophomore Abbie Lee is the 2024 Effingham Daily News Girls Tennis Singles Player of the Year.
Lee finished her season with a 21-12 record, playing the whole year from either the No. 1 or No. 2 spot. Her freshman year — a 24-6 campaign — she primarily competed in the No. 2 or No. 3 slot.
“Abbie made a lot of games this year on and off the court,” head coach Allison Deters said. “I think a big thing for her this year was that she matured a lot regarding the mental side of the game. She learned tennis is very much a game where you’re going to make mistakes and have to stay in it and focus on the next one. I think that really helped her move up not just in our lineup but also have some success in that No. 1 varsity singles spot. It was very well-earned.
“I’m excited to see what she will give in the next two years.”
How well the team plays has only pushed Lee that much more.
There is always someone trying to climb their way to the top of the lineup card. It’s Lee’s job to control her position.
“The quality of our team has really pushed every single individual. Abbie is no exception,” Deters said. “All those girls at the top of the lineup make each other better in practice. It’s not just through their challenge matches but also through the effort they put in the drills and everything we go through. It’s good for them and they approach it in a really respectful way, which is awesome. They are team-first.”
An unrelenting determination has also helped build Lee into a stronger player.
“She had a lot of third-set tiebreakers this year, but that’s just a testament to how hard she’s willing to fight until the very last point,” Deters said. “That determination led her to a lot of wins this year, which she may not otherwise have had.”
Having her father as the boys tennis coach and someone who always played the sport has aided that determination.
It’s an advantage that most others don’t have.
“It is a special bond they share — just having someone around who already knows so much about tennis,” Deters said. “I know she puts in a lot of work outside of practice, which is a big part of what has helped get her to where she is now. It is a big asset for her to have that voice, help, and support outside of practices to continue improving in the offseason and keep setting new goals.”
Lee was asked a series of questions. Below is how she responded.
AW: What got you into tennis and why do you love playing it?
AL: “My family got me into tennis because my brother and dad play. They showed me that it’s a fun sport that I can develop well in. I love playing tennis because of the excitement of the points. It’s exhilarating to me. Every point is different.”
AW: Talk about your season and what you did well. What can you work on?
AL: “I feel like I did well at getting high in tournaments. I didn’t give up and didn’t let myself lose. I can learn to let points go instead of letting them affect my entire match.”
AW: What is your biggest strength as a tennis player?
AL: “My biggest strength is not giving up in general. I don’t like to stop trying.”
AW: What have you learned over the last year?
AL: “What I learned is how everyone develops with you. I feel like every year is completely different. You’re still the same tennis player, but there’s a lot of different aspects put into it the older you get. Mrs. Deters is also a fun coach. She makes it fun for the team; it’s never boring.”