Cascia Hall needed its young talent to step up this season after graduating four seniors from last year’s 5A state championship team. Several freshmen have answered the call since joining the varsity squad, showing promise under the leadership of senior Layla Drotar.
Drotar, a four-year starter, was the lone individual state champion returning from the 2021 championship squad after winning state in No. 2 doubles. She leads the No. 1 doubles team this season alongside sophomore Lydia Hoose and is a mentor for freshmen London Siegfried and Millie Tuttle who compete in No. 2 doubles.
“Layla is a calming mind and supportive force on this team,” coach Kristin Liles said. “She handles pressure with grace and poise and is one of the hardest working athletes I have coached. Her presence sets a positive tone for this team and how they go about practice and competition.”
Drotar’s dedication to tennis earned her a chance to compete at the collegiate level next year at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania.
Competing at the toughest spot on the team this season is junior Kendal Blevins, who has won eight of her 11 No. 1 singles matches thus far. Blevins has made herself known in every tournament this season, winning the consolation draw in all three tournaments.
“Kendal is a reserved young lady, but her tennis game is aggressive and unrestrained,” Liles said. “She approaches each point with outstanding drive and focus. She has done a great job stepping up this season and her consistent contribution helps keep this team finishing events at the top.”
One freshman who’s stepped into a huge role this season is Lauren Irwin, starting her Cascia Hall tennis career as the No. 2 singles player. Irwin won the Jenks Invitational and Tournament of Champions at Heritage Hall and has just one lone loss on the season.
“She is a smart player with a positive mindset and fierce tenacity,” Liles said. “The making of a future state champion.”
Liles was named the NFHS National Girls Tennis Coach of the Year after leading the girls’ and boys’ teams to the Class 5A state championship last season. And she believes she can add to her 21 individual girl state champions this postseason.
