Junior tennis player Jessica Kovalcik became the IHSA 2A State Champion at Buffalo Grove High School on Oct. 21, becoming the second female state champion in school history.
Kovalcik bested Madison Liu from New Trier to take first place.
“Competing in the state tournament was a fun and exciting experience especially with all of the energy and support that was present throughout the past couple of days,” Kovalcik said.
Kovalcik had to win six rounds to claim the title, with the tournament lasting from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21, but came out victorious in the end after 6-2, 2-6 and 6-1 sets in the finals. Her competition included players from Lincoln-Way Central, Conant, Whitney Young, Lake Forest and Deerfield.“I feel like everyone on the team is very proud of her and always supportive of her,” teammate senior Riley McClellan said. “She is a very nice, humble teammate. I don’t ever hear her bragging or anything, and she’s super chill and nice to be around.”Fellow tennis player senior Mallory Dreager was present when Kovalcik won.“Jess is an incredibly dedicated player and it’s amazing to watch her play,” Dreager said. “She worked really hard for this win, and it was such an honor to be there supporting her during the championship. She has such a bright future ahead of her and I’m so excited to see what’s next for her.” Even former teammates supported her final efforts on the state courts.“Jess is one of the most hardworking and determined people I’ve ever met,” alumni and teammate Sophia Woods said. “Her passion for the sport really comes out when she plays, and she deserves it more than anyone.”
Familiar with the high competition, Kovalcik placed third at state during her freshman year, and second in her sophomore year before winning the title as a junior.
“At first, I didn’t believe I did it, but then all the thoughts and excitement came flooding in,” Kovalcik said. “I just thought that all of that hard work paid off in the end.”
Kovalcik will be honored for her achievement at a basketball game in December.
“To see her finally reach her goal Saturday was so amazing,” Athletic Director Ron Lear said. “She competes extremely hard, and she is an excellent athlete.”
