For New Hanover girls tennis star Sophia Catino, her senior season was a remarkable journey. Entering it already as one of New Hanover County's most accomplished female athletes, she focused on having fun rather than just the numbers. "Before every match, I would remind myself to have fun," Catino said. This mindset led her to great success.

Unforgettable Moments and Records in New Hanover Girls Tennis

Legacy and Records

The senior went 11-2 at No. 1 singles, with one early-season loss and a late-season injury retirement. Her perfect performance at No. 1 singles in the Wildcats' regular-season finale win over Hoggard helped the team reach the century mark in consecutive conference victories, a record dating back to 2017. Catino capped off her high school career with an overall record of 31-2, leading the Wildcats to their 100th consecutive conference victory and bringing the first girls tennis state championship banner to Brogden Hall. She earned her fourth consecutive StarNews All-Area Girls Tennis Player of the Year honor.Her records and legacy at New Hanover will undoubtedly last for years. Moments like pairing with teammate and close friend Hanna Davis to win a state championship will never fade. "It was unreal," she said. "It showed everyone what New Hanover girls tennis is made of and set a strong example of what you can do if you really work hard."

2024 StarNews All-Area Girls Tennis Player of the Year

Catino left no doubt about being New Hanover County's greatest high school girls tennis player. The UNCW signee led the Wildcats to their fourth straight Mideastern Conference title, compiled a career record of 138-11 across all competitions, and teamed up with fellow New Hanover senior Hanna Davis to claim the 4A doubles state title.

2024 StarNews All-Area Girls Tennis: First Team

Hanna Davis, a Sewanee signee, was 13-0 at No. 2 singles and 11-0 at No. 1 doubles for the Wildcats this fall. She teamed up with Catino to claim the 4A doubles state title, the first in program history.Taylor Garriott, a junior from Cape Fear Academy, was 11-3 at No. 1 singles and helped Cape Fear claim a fourth consecutive NCISAA state championship. The Hurricanes were the only area squad to defeat New Hanover this season.Karli Hartman, a senior from Topsail, led the Pirates to a second-place Mideastern Conference finish, going 12-5 at No. 1 singles and finishing the season 23-9 overall.Elizabeth Sifly, a sophomore from New Hanover, went 36-6 overall on the year, collecting 11 wins at No. 3 singles and another 14 in doubles.Carys Subach, a junior from South Brunswick, went 9-1 at No. 1 singles across all competitions this fall.Hailey Schreiber, a senior from Hoggard, helped Hoggard to a third-place MEC finish, going 9-7 in singles.

2024 StarNews All-Area Girls Tennis: Second Team

Rynley Elvington from Cape Fear Academy, Kiara Haasbroek from Coastal Christian, Analise Garner from Laney, Cayden Persichetti from Topsail, Kate Bennington from Hoggard, Emma Miller Buchanan from New Hanover, Laurryen Lennon from Laney, Gunnie Becham from Cape Fear Academy, and Evie Munroe from Coastal Christian made the second team.

All-Mideastern Conference

Co-Players of the Year: Sophia Catino and Hanna Davis from New Hanover.Coach of the Year: Jenifer Coleman from New Hanover.Team Sportsmanship: Ashley.First Team: Analise Garner from Laney, Karli Hartman from Topsail, Cayden Persichetti from Topsail, Hailey Schreiber from Hoggard, Elizabeth Sifly from New Hanover, Carys Subach from South Brunswick.Second Team: Kate Bennington from Hoggard, Virginia Breeden from Topsail, Emma Miller Buchanan from New Hanover, Kathryn Hildreth from Hoggard, Laurryen Lennon from Laney, Kendall Mills from Topsail.Third Team: Audrey Bobo from Hoggard, Emily Cox from North Brunswick, Hannah Cumbee from West Brunswick, Elizabeth Lewis from New Hanover, Reagan Norris from Ashley, Avery Ward from Laney.Honorable Mention: Ashley: Kyla Bartlett; Hoggard: Allie Sauer, Mia Neuwirth; Laney: Bentley Waldkirch, Haydie Cain, Camryn Lennon; New Hanover: Susan Davis, Maggie Hooks, Blair Mickle, Carson McWhorter; North Brunswick: Amelia Bush, Anni Shaw; South Brunswick: Julia Wagaman, Alexis Albertson, Opal Boehmer, Lana Harden; Topsail: Reed Garofano, Georgia Ford, Avery White; West Brunswick: Kimberly Bart, Abigail Davis, Finn Gorrit.NCISAA All-State: Taylor Garriott from Cape Fear Academy.