PHS’ Hicks doubled down for state trip
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| Princeton senior Tristan Hicks made a decision to play doubles and it paid off with a trip to the state tennis finals as part of Princeton’s state-qualifying team. (BCR photo/Chris Yucus) |
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PRINCETON — For Princeton senior Tristan Hicks, her trip to the state tennis tournament this fall was the culmination of a four-year goal.
“My goal since freshman year was to go to state my senior year,” said Hicks. “Just to achieve that, and go beyond that with having the whole team qualify, and having our team win sectionals for the first time was amazing.”
“It was awesome to end on a great note, just being a part of that and having all the great memories,” Hicks said. “Your last game is at state, so you have no regrets.”
Hicks’ trip to the state tournament came playing doubles with teammate Emiley Brand. Hicks paired up with Brand late in the season after Brand’s regular partner, Michaela Nelson, was forced to sit out with a knee injury.
“All my career from freshman year on, I was playing singles,” Hicks said. “It was a hard transition, because I wasn’t even used to doubles lines. The whole strategy, it’s like a different game.”
Hicks proved to be a quick study of the doubles game, quickly developing a rapport with Brand.
“We worked it out well, I tried to catch on fast, and Emily was good at telling me what to do, and reminding me,” Hicks said.
Brand and Hicks teamed up to post a state-qualifying fourth-place finish at the Rochelle sectional.
While she enjoyed her crash-course in doubles play this season, Hicks said she prefers the singles game.
“Just because that’s what I’m used to,” said Hicks. “I like being able to only rely on myself, and take control more.”
After taking up tennis as a freshman to stay active, the sport quickly became Hicks’ favorite, and one she will be playing for a long time.
“It’s just a fun activity that keeps you busy, you can play it any age,” Hicks said.
Hicks will have one more chance to return to the singles side of prep tennis this spring, playing solo for the Tigresses at the Illinois High School Coaches Association Tournament. Princeton, with its sectional title win, was one of eight schools selected to compete in the Class A division of the tournament.
When she is not swinging a racket, Hicks spends time working for school and community volunteer groups, and lifeguarding in the warmer months.
She has some great experiences volunteering she said, whether working with area grade-school students through the Lifesavers program, or volunteering with her church.
One of the most interesting and eye-opening experiences Hicks had came on a volunteer trip to Alabama with Christ Community Church, where she worked with low income families and helped construct a wheelchair ramp.
“I went on a mission trip ... and that was just really interesting, being able to help people out,” Hicks said. You’re seeing what people don’t have, but seeing how they’re so grateful for life.”
“I think it’s a really cool experience, I want to keep doing it every summer,” Hicks said.
Hicks said that she has not decided on a college to attend yet, but says that if she finds the right fit at a smaller school she would like to continue her tennis career in the collegiate ranks.
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