Climbing the ladder

Tue. December 20, 2011 at 2:49 p.m. | By StarNews Sports Department

Hoggard High School tennis player McKayla Zupan stands on the tennis courts at the school Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011. Zupan is the 2011 Star News girls' player of the year. (Photo by Matt Born)

The last thing opponents who face McKayla Zupan needed to see was the Hoggard junior with even more motivation to win.
A clean sweep through singles matches in the high school girls tennis season elevated the Vikings star to a Mideastern Conference title and a win in the Class 4A East regional. But Zupan's perfect season came up just short, as she dropped the state final to national top-100 player Hannah Templeton.
Losing is always tough to stomach, but Zupan, the StarNews All-Area player of the year, gained invaluable experience in her run through the bracket, and finds herself in the unique – and always dangerous – position of earning everything but the trophy.
"Coming up short isn't disappointing," Zupan said. "It's motivation to get it next year. Knowing I've been there, I've done it, and I can get to that level is incredible motivation. The only thing left is to overcome and take the title."
Zupan showed a commitment to focusing on individual points this season. Her aggressiveness and strong play at the net allowed her to close the door on her opponents, something she had trouble with a year ago.
Hoggard coach Michael Bowen believes it all starts with Zupan's drive to be the best she can possibly be.
"It's a testament to her work ethic," Bowen said. "In the off-season, McKayla never stops. Her success came as a result of how much she does with her coaches and the number of matches she plays. Her ability to keep herself playing at a high level is a major part of why she had such a great season."
Despite having to miss practices at times and be on the road to play in national matches and tournaments, Zupan leads by example. She was named co-captain of the Hoggard squad and appreciates the opportunity to be a part of a team.
"When I play nationally, it can get tough when you have your parents and that's it," Zupan said. "High school gives me the chance to experience a team atmosphere, and it helps a lot to have the team there to cheer on and to help support you."
That support from her coaches, teammates, family and friends is a big part of the reason why Zupan continues to find success.
Steadily climbing the national rankings, Zupan is getting plenty of looks from college coaches at the Division I level.
"Wins and losses take care of themselves," Zupan said. "I just am focusing on developing my game and becoming a complete player in general. Winning is nice, but you have to lose to get better. That's how you learn. I feel like I improved immensely. But I still have a lot or room to grow. It's a process that never ends."

All-Area Girls Tennis
First Team
McKayla Zupan, Jr., Hoggard (POY): Undefeated in conference play, 4A East regional champion, state runner-up.
Campbell Cooper, So., New Hanover: 20-3 record overall, only conference singles loss was to Zupan.
Brooke Graham, So., Cape Fear Academy: Played No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles, winning a NCISAA state championship.
Anna Hodges, So., Hoggard: 4A East regional doubles champion.
Danielle McGee, Sr., Topsail: East Central individual champion and player of the year, Second in Class 2A East regional tournament.
Caitlin Neal, Sr., Hoggard: No. 3 player for Hoggard, also undefeated in conference play. Teamed with Hodges for 4A East regional doubles championship.
All-Conference
Mideastern Conference
First Team: Channing Bugbee, Laney; Emily Clark, Rose; Louisa Cone, Laney; Campbell Cooper, New Hanover; Anna Hodges, Hoggard; Gabby Khoury, Rose; Kate Leder, New Hanover; Caitlin Neal, Hoggard; Heather Parra, Ashley; Ellie Scialabba, Hoggard; Joanna Sendor, New Bern; Julianne Spencer, Ashley; Cameron Teaney, Rose; Lucy Watkins, New Hanover; McKayla Zupan, Hoggard.
Second Team: Madison Allgood, Rose; Hali Archambault, Laney; Molly Gibson, New Hanover; Lydia Hartley, Hoggard; Katherine Jones, New Bern; Sophie Kot, New Hanover; Liza Quattlebaum, Rose; Brianna Smith, Hoggard; Danielle Stallings, Ashley.
Player Of The Year: McKayla Zupan, Hoggard. Coach Of The Year: Michael Bowen, Hoggard. Team Sportsmanship Award: Laney.
East Central Conference
Croatan–Stephanie Reitz, Kylee Mroz, Michelle Bennett. East Duplin–Savannah Pierson, Carly Jarman. Northside–Mallory Gneiting. Richlands–Kalina Taylor. Swansboro–Morgan Sheehan, Ashton Taylor, Katie Yingling. Topsail–Danielle McGee, Megan Hampton, Sydney Lawrence, Eva Barlowe.
Player of the Year: Morgan Sheehan (Swansboro). Coaches of the Year: Craig Mann (Topsail) and Jim Sheehan (Swansboro).
Waccamaw Conference
First Team: Kadijah Davis, East Bladen; Summer Phillips, Lilly Michelakis, Brooke Munroe, South Brunswick; Jaclyn Koonce, Anna Naughton, South Columbus; Hannah Dowless, West Bladen; Jordan Sanchez, Mary Britt Nelson, West Brunswick; Olivia Butler, Carly High, Whiteville.
Second Team: Aaliyah Kelly, East Bladen; Cali Hitt, Alaina Wade, Morgan Gilbert, South Brunswick; Elizabeth Buffkin, Abby Leonard, South Columbus; Josie Ludlum, West Bladen; Penny Watts, Victoria Johnson, West Brunswick; Maleah Murray, Margaret High, Whiteville.