2024 BWHS Girls Tennis Recap

Under the guidance of Coach Ryan Balaz, who has led the team since 2011, the Big Walnut High School Girls Tennis team completed another thrilling season in 2024. Since Coach Balaz took the helm, the team has celebrated 11 winning seasons, 5 district qualifiers, and two OCC championships in 2020 and 2021. This season, the team was focused on reclaiming the league title but came up just short in tightly contested 3-2 matches against Delaware Hayes, Scioto, and Worthington Kilbourne.

The season was filled with memorable moments and impressive growth. The team notched exciting victories over strong opponents like Gahanna and Marion Harding, and many players stepped up to earn their first varsity letters, contributing to the varsity lineup and proving their dedication to the program. Coach Balaz praised the team's improvement from last year, and the future looks bright for Big Walnut Girls Tennis.

This year’s season came down to a close rivalry match with Worthington Kilbourne, where the girls played one of their best matches of the season. The match was neck-and-neck, with Kilbourne narrowly clinching victory with a tight win at first singles. 

Highlights from the season included a standout performance from the first doubles team of Allie Cunningham and Skylar Smith, who defeated Kilbourne’s strong doubles team, and Anna Swager, who fought hard in a close 7-5, 7-6 loss against a former state qualifier.

Key players throughout the season included:

• Anna Swager (First Singles): Finished 16-10, bringing skill and determination to the top spot.
• Emma Austin (Third Singles): Closed out the season 16-9, adding solid wins to the team’s record.
• Allie Cunningham (First Doubles): Ended with a 15-11 record, showing great partnership and resilience on the court.

Team captains Addie Miller and Skylar Smith led by example, helping to foster a strong team mindset. Seniors on the team left behind a legacy of hard work, camaraderie, and a love for the game that will inspire the next generation of players.

Off the court, this team had a special bond, enjoying time together and supporting each other through the highs and lows of the season. Looking ahead, the team will bring back six out of seven varsity players and will lean on a large group of seniors with plenty of experience. With this combination of talent and dedication, Big Walnut Girls Tennis is well-positioned for a successful 2025 season.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the annual car wash fundraiser next fall—a great way to support the team and contribute to their continued growth and success.

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