John Willis, a junior in the Stroudsburg Area School District, has had a dominant tennis season for the Mountaineers this year. Not only did Willis lead the team to a commanding 13-2 record, but he also brought home a few medals and awards throughout the season. The tennis team is coached by Gene Tapiro and Cecilia Yost.

Willis won gold at the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference singles championship on Friday, April 23. The following week, he claimed third at the District XI singles championships on Wednesday, April 28, bringing home even more hardware.

In addition to these high finishes, Willis was awarded Pocono Record Athlete of the Week early in the season. Willis has accomplished all of this, and the year is not yet over.

“I feel incredibly proud of myself,” said Willis. “It certainly makes all the hard work I put in and the sacrifices I make well worth it.” 

While earning medals has been rewarding for Willis, he pointed out that another special part of playing on the tennis team has been the camaraderie he has developed, especially with senior Jake Hoffman and junior Jackson Kozma. They have been there every step of the way. 

“I am very excited to have represented the Mounties and that I was able to successfully secure a gold medal,” said Willis. “I had incredible support from my coaches Tapiro and Yost, as well as all of my teammates.”

The team still looks forward to competing in the District XI team tournament and the District XI team doubles tournament. Specifically for Willis, he plans on training year-round, as well as attend college tennis recruiting camps.

This off-season training will help Willis prepare for his senior year.