Lauren Slutsky, Martin County: Post All-Area girls tennis player of the year

Friday, June 04, 2010
by Joseph Kairalla

Photo by Ray Graham/The Palm Beach Post

Click here to see other players of the year and All-Area teams.

It didn't have a storybook ending, but Lauren Slutsky's tennis career at Martin County definitely was a fun ride.

As a senior, Slutsky went undefeated during the regular season for the second consecutive year and earned the top seed entering the Class 3A state tournament.

But at state, Slutsky's winning streak came to an end when she was upset in the first round by Olympic Heights' Luisa Candido.

"My game wasn't on that day," Slutsky said. "It was an off day at a bad time."

Though her career didn't end the way she had hoped, Slutsky has nothing but good memories from her career.

"Entering high school, I wasn't sure what to expect because I had always played individual tennis," Slutsky said. "I found that I really loved being part of a team and that it made the whole tennis experience more fun."

Slutsky lost just four regular-season matches during her career and just once after her freshman year. She helped lead Martin County to consecutive fourth-place finishes at state.

"Tennis season was always a blast because the team was so close and bonded well," Slutsky said. "I'm going to miss it a lot. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience."

In August, Slutsky will begin her college career at Amherst University in Massachusetts.

"I really love the game and I'm really excited for my future in tennis," Slutsky said.

BOYS AND GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Brian Schleifer

American Heritage

Led the Stallions to the Class 1A state championship with a team that featured state champions from all five positions.

FIRST TEAM

Nadia Ravita

American Heritage, So.

Went 12-1 in singles play and won 1A state title at No. 1.

Emily Gfesser

Cardinal Newman, Sr.

15-0 for season in singles play; went to state in doubles.

Jasmine Edwards

Palm Beach Central, Jr.

Rebounded from down sophomore year to earn state berth.

Anika Novacek

St. Andrew's, Jr.

Regional champions and state qualifier for the Stallions.

Alexandra Diamandi

American Heritage, So.

State champion at No. 2 spot for the Stallions.

GIRLS SECOND TEAM

Rebecca Siegler, Jr., St. Andrew's

Justina Lawrence, So., PB Gardens

Niki Uberoi, Sr., Spanish River

Taylor Wingo, So., American Heritage

Hanna Fritzinger, Sr., Spanish River

GIRLS HONORABLE MENTION

Mia Horvit, American Heritage; Veena Vasquez. Spanish River; Chana Camacho, Palm Beach Central; Kenya Puig, Palm Beach Central; Alixandra Garic, Seminole Ridge; Lacy Bollinge, Wellington; Taisha Thelemaque, Park Vista; Taylor Tendrich, Park Vista; Marina Francy, Lake Worth; Lacy Rubloff, Park Vista; Carly Adelman, Park Vista, Carolyn Uhl, Dwyer; Palm Beach Gardens; Rachel Acuna, Jupiter; Nikki Gregory, Palm Beach Gardens, Sarah Toth, Suncoast.