Laser focused on improvement made this athlete our Girls Tennis Player of the Year
The last two seasons on the tennis court have been very fruitful for Bishop Stang's Lexy Wynn.
Playing at first singles, she won 11 matches as a sophomore and put together an 18-4 overall record as a junior this past season to help lead the Spartans to the MIAA Div. 2 State Semifinals for the straight year.
"It's been incredible. We have good players who work hard on their games, and everything came together for us at the right time," said Wynn, who lives in Lakeville and started playing tennis when she was 8 years old on a family vacation to the Turks & Caicos. "We've been able to do so well because of the chemistry and friendship we have together. We all like each other and everybody wants the team to be successful."
TOP HONOR: Will to win drove this athlete to be our Boys Tennis Player of the Year
This past spring, the Spartans went 18-0 during the regular season on the way to winning the competitive Catholic Central League with a perfect 7-0 record. As a result, Wynn was named a CCL All-Star for the second straight season, and she was joined on the list by freshman Katherine Johnson (second singles), junior Sarah Pothier (third singles), and seniors Julia Downey and Charlotte Sisson (first doubles).
"We had a strong lineup from top to bottom," Bishop Stang first-year coach John Sargent said. "We finished with an 86-4 record in individual matches and only a strong Masconomet team kept us from reaching the Division 2 state final."
Blessed with a solid overall game, Wynn didn't lose a set all season until a season-ending 6-7, 1-6 loss to Masconomet senior Kendall Skulley in the state tournament.
"Lexy has a big serve and she's a fighter," Sargent said. "She never loses her focus. She's always strategic and calm. She has a real feel for the game, she moves her opponents all over the court, and she knows how to set up winning points."
Wynn, who grew up playing at the Lakeville Athletic Club, started playing United State Tennis Association (USTA) tournament when she was 10 years old.
Strong singles and dynamic doubles: Our 2023 Boys Tennis Super Team and All-Stars
"I took to the game right away and my love for the game kept growing and growing," Wynn said. "I love the competition and the mix of athleticism and strategy. You have to be able to hit the shots and you have to have a plan to be successful. Every point is a new challenge."
Over the years, Wynn put in a lot of hard work to make herself a better player, and she's gotten to the point where she's able to help others learn how to play the game.
"I spent the last two summers teaching tennis at The Bay Club at Mattapoisett and that's been really fulfilling," Wynn said. "I've worked with people of all ages, and I love being able to share my love of the game with them. When you see the improvements they make, it makes you feel really good knowing you're a part of that."
After she finishes up her final season of volleyball this fall, Wynn will have one more season of tennis to play and she can't wait to get back out on the court with her teammates.
"Bishop Stang has been a perfect match for me athletically and academically," Wynn said. "I've been able to bond with my teammates and coaches. My teammates and coaches are all very positive. They've been uplifting and supportive. I wouldn't be where I am now without them."
ALL ABOUT LEXY WYNN
WHY SHE WAS SELECTED: Has made steady progress and has worked hard to make herself a better player. Hits the ball hard and accurately. Did a great job keeping the ball in play on the baseline and won a lot of long rallies. Helped herself with a solid serve and a strong presence at the net, where she covered the court well and put away a lot of winners with crisp volleys. Played with a lot of intelligence and strategy. Knew where to place the ball and was very good at exploiting her opponents' weaknesses.
KEY STATS: Finished 18-4 overall at first singles after putting together a 16-2 regular season. Went 2-2 in the state tournament to help the top-seeded Spartans (21-1) reach the Div. 2 semifinals for the second straight season. Earned Catholic Central League All-Star honors.
MVP MOMENT: Despite a bout of pneumonia, Wynn toughed it out to win her opening set at first singles in the Spartans' 3-2 win over Duxbury in the Div. 2 Round of 8. She only threw in the towel with a forfeit after the Spartans wrapped up the match and didn't need her point. "I didn't feel well, but I was ready to keep going if the team needed me," Wynn said. "Thankfully, my teammates stepped up and got the job done."
FAIRHAVEN COACH TARA COSTA: "Lexy is a very tough player. She has a great serve and plays smart. She's a very competitive player with all the tools and a tremendous skill set."
NOTES: Likes to read and write. ... Wants to attend college somewhere down south, with the College of Charleston and the University of Florida on the list of schools she's looking at. ... Is thinking about majoring in biology.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Bishop Stang's Lexy Wynn is the 2023 Girls Tennis Player of the Year
