CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Academy tennis player Ayden Kujawa captured the singles and doubles’ titles at the Girls Preparatory School Winter Tennis Open (16’s Division) March 7 in Chattanooga.
“The competition was really good,” Kujawa said. “I think I did pretty decent in doubles and I’m proud of my performance in singles for sure.”
The 15-year-old paired with Vivian Schroeder of Knoxville, winning the doubles title (8-6) in the finals.
In the singles title, Kujawa defeated her doubles partner Schroeder in straight sets (6-4, 6-3).
Kujawa shared what is was like having to play with and against Schroeder during the tournament.
“It was really fun,” Kujawa said. “I honestly don’t completely love playing against her, but at the end of the day, we’re still friends. On and off the court we’re still good buddies, so I think overall it was fun for us both.”
Since picking up a racket for the first time, Kujawa said she’s seen her game continue to evolve with each year that passes.
“I’ve been playing pretty much ever since I can remember,” Kujawa said. “I think that once I hit high school my game started to really pick up. I’ve been playing, practicing and training 10 times more than I did when I was younger. Mainly I’m getting more consistent with my stroke and becoming more positive when something negative happens and reacting in a better way.”
After capturing the Division II-A region championship a year ago, Kujawa fell to Silverdale Baptist Academy’s Addison Horton in the state tournament semifinals.
“We had a really hard-fought match and it was close,” Kujawa said. “She’s the same year as me. Every match we’ve played has gone back and forth. I’ve played her not only at state, but outside as well. I’ve won matches, she’s won matches and every time I play her, I know it’s always going to be tough. This year I’m feeling pretty confident going into state, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Now in her sophomore campaign, Kujawa continues to rack up accolades and currently has no signs of slowing down.
“As far as how my schedule looks like right about now, I’m pretty much practicing every day,” Kujawa said. “I’m working out, training and sometimes on the weekends, I’ll go to Nashville and hit with some of my friends there. I’m very sure I’ll be playing a lot more tournaments soon.”
The standout student athlete does have her sights set on eventually playing tennis at the next level, but understands the importance of remaining patient in her journey.
“Right now, I’m not really looking at just one particular school,” Kujawa said. “Obviously I’m only a sophomore and am keeping my options open at the moment. I absolutely want to play collegiate tennis. That’s my main goal, but I need to focus on all of the smaller goals that will lead up to that big one. I’m just trying to take it one step at a time.”