INDIANAPOLIS — Kathryn Wilson had never played No. 1 singles for Columbus North before this season.
Now, she’s No. 1 in the state.
Wilson, a junior, won one match Friday and two on Saturday at the Girls Tennis Singles State Finals to become the second singles champion from North, joining Caroline Hedrick, who won in 2008.
“I’ve always told myself just to do the best that I can, and that would be good enough for me, but I just was working as hard as I could this season to hopefully see the outcome,” Wilson said. “So I’m really happy.”
As a freshman and sophomore, Wilson played No. 2 singles while her sister Ashlie played No. 1. With Ashlie moving on to play at Purdue, Kathryn moved into the No. 1 spot for the Bull Dogs this season and went a perfect 30-0.
“She was talked about from the very beginning as one of the favorites,” North coach Kendal Hammel said. “She believed in herself.”
A contingent of about 30 teammates, friends and family from Columbus made the trip to Park Tudor School in Indianapolis for Saturday morning’s semifinals. That number swelled to upwards of 50 for the championship match.
“I honestly don’t think I would have pulled it out without them,” Wilson said. “They were just being so great and really supporting me, so I’m really thankful that they all came.”
They got to witness Wilson capture a state championship.
“It’s crazy,” Wilson said. “I never really imagined what it would feel like. I don’t have words, I’m just so happy.”
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