By Isabella Gecaj – Staff Reporter

Lucia Pino is a senior at Jonathan Law and the captain of the varsity girls tennis team.

Pino is the team’s #1 singles player and has gone All-State twice. As it is her last year on the team, Pino is ready to go out on a high note.  

“I am excited to move on to college but hoping to make this last season special,” Pino said.

Last year, the girls tennis team won the SCC Division II regular season and SCC Tournament titles and made it to the semifinals of the Class M State Tournament.

But winning is not the only thing on Pino’s mind. 

“I think our team is looking strong this year as we have a slightly different line up,” Pino said. “I think we are going to be very successful.”

Pino has set several team and individual goals for herself.

“This season I am looking forward to winning as much as possible,” said Pino. “But also creating a strong bond with the team.”

The girls team work together in achieving their ambitious goals. Overall, it is Pino’s leadership skills that will take them forward. 

“Not only is Lucia our best player, but from the moment she got on the team, she has been our leader on and off the court,” girls tennis coach Mr. Kulenych said. “She works hard in the classroom and on the court and she is a perfect example to follow for the younger players on the team.”

Her skills have helped the team grow at an exponential rate.

“Whenever I’m having any trouble with my forehand or my backhand or my volleys she will kindly help me,” sophomore Olivia Hudak said. “She’s great at teaching you  something when you’re struggling with it and will make it very easy to learn.”

Pino’s work ethic and passion is what takes her far. 

“Lucia gets a lot of attention for her awards and records, and deservedly so, but what people don’t see is what makes her great,” Kulenych said. “She is always working – before practice, during practice, after practice – to get better.”

Kulenych said having Pino atop the lineup is a luxury that most teams do not have.

“Having Lucia at the top of our lineup gives us an advantage over every team we play and allows the rest of the pieces of our lineup to fit into place,” Kulenych said.

Pino, meanwhile, is excited for this year and beyond.

“I am looking forward to playing tennis at the next level and believe I’m ready to move forward with my tennis skills,” said Pino.