Sasha Quandt, a sophomore at Lourdes Academy, has made history by becoming the first tennis player from the school to earn a spot on the podium at the girls state tournament. Quandt's impressive performance, which included a semifinal appearance and a fourth-place finish, has not only cemented her status as a rising star but also highlighted the steady progress of the Lourdes girls tennis program over the past three seasons.

Lourdes Academy's Tennis Prodigy Leaves a Lasting Impression

Quandt's Remarkable Rise to the Top

Sasha Quandt's journey to the state tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, she joined a doubles team that made it to sectionals and qualified for state individually. This season, Quandt took her game to new heights, earning the No. 1 singles spot for Lourdes and once again qualifying for the state tournament. Her impressive run included a first-round bye as the No. 4 overall seed, followed by convincing wins over Therese Kern of Regis and Megan Johnson of West Salem to reach the semifinals.In the semifinals, Quandt faced off against the No. 1 seed, Kylie Matz of Brookfield Academy, and despite the tough matchup, she fought hard, showcasing her improved mental game and physical skills. Although she ultimately fell to Matz in straight sets, Quandt's performance was a testament to her growth as a player.

Quandt's Podium Finish and the Significance for Lourdes Academy

Quandt's journey did not end there, as she continued to battle in the third-place match. She faced off against Susanna Hundt of St. Joan Antida/Chesterton Academy and, despite the challenge, Quandt displayed her resilience and determination, ultimately finishing fourth and earning a spot on the podium.This achievement was a monumental occasion for both Quandt and Lourdes Academy. Knights coach Annie Docter praised Quandt's hard work and dedication, highlighting her ability to develop a game plan and execute it with unwavering focus. Docter also emphasized Quandt's mental toughness, noting that she has been working diligently to refine the mental aspect of her game.

Quandt's Perspective: Motivation, Accomplishment, and Future Goals

Quandt herself expressed a deep sense of pride and accomplishment in her performance, acknowledging that it was a goal she had set for herself the previous year. She recognized the significance of being the first Lourdes tennis player to make the podium and vowed to use this success as motivation to continue reaching for higher goals in the future.Quandt's experience at the state tournament last year played a crucial role in her improved performance this season. She felt more comfortable and confident in the mental aspect of the game, having a better understanding of the environment and how to prepare herself mentally. Quandt's coaches also noted her significant improvement in pace and placement, which allowed her to become a more offensive player and effectively move her opponents around the court.

The Lourdes Academy Coaching Staff: Instrumental in Quandt's Development

Docter praised Quandt's coachability and open communication, which have been instrumental in her development. Quandt's willingness to try new drills and her honesty about her thoughts and feelings have allowed the coaching staff to work closely with her, addressing any mental blocks or negative self-talk and focusing on her strengths.The Lourdes Academy coaching staff has played a crucial role in Quandt's success, providing her with the guidance and support she needed to reach new heights. Docter's confidence in Quandt's ability to continue improving her pace, placement, and mental game suggests that the young athlete's journey is far from over, and the Lourdes community eagerly awaits her future accomplishments.