The Crusader Newspaper Group

Whitney Young wins CPS first Tennis State Championship

By Natalie Valles, Chicago Crusader

The Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Girls 2017 Tennis team has just become the first Chicago Public School to claim the title of State Champions. This distinguished title has brought a strong sense of accomplishment within both the team and school.

Team captain Camryn Salter, said, “The win has brought everyone closer. The school has even more pride now. We did this for our school. Many people are now interested in the sport, which is great!”

The team of five who won the state championship has been a topic of conversation over the past month.

Assistant coach, Carl Abram said, “It is an honor to be apart of this because it is a piece of  ‘her-story.’”

Dr. Kenner, our principal, is especially proud. As the School of Champions, this win not only reaffirmed this title, but also showed the true talent of the students at Whitney M. Young.

Darinka Stepan, a sophomore on the varsity team explained, “I think you go into each competition wanting to be number one, but you never know the outcome. When the coaches told us we won, we were just so thrilled and excited.”

Twins, Mackenzie and Madison Beckham, both received scholarships to Howard University in Washington D.C., and Sarah Williams received a scholarship to George Mason University in Virginia, striking inspiration within their communities and school.

When asked about their title, Head Coach Dempsey Willard said, “It’s surreal. I’m still in a state of shock. It hasn’t really dawned on me as we speak. It took so long to get to this point.”

These young women have made an unforgettable mark on history. Consisting of majority African American girls, and being the first Girls Tennis Team in CPS to win this title, is phenomenal. Through all their blood, sweat, and tears, these amazing girls have shown true talent and, according to Dr. Kenner, “have represented this school beautifully.”

 

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