Lizzy Bonifield is a journalism student at Gilbert Christian High School assigned to cover high school sports for AZPreps365.com

Senior Alyssa Ryals has been out on the tennis courts since she was just ten years old. Ever since her uncle bought her her very own tennis racket on her tenth birthday, she has been fascinated by the sport.

Battling through her senior year here at Gilbert Christian High School, Ryals shares that “Mentally I have appreciated being back with the team and especially the coaches. I also have appreciated the physical aspect of being back on the courts so that we are no longer trapped inside.” 

Having just finished the spring season, Ryals has played ten singles matches, as well as ten doubles matches and won seven singles and five doubles. Her freshman year she barely missed the chance of making it to the postseason tournament and was not able to play. Her tennis partner made it in so while she was happy for her, it was bittersweet. This year, however, is a different story, “I was notified over this past weekend that me and my doubles partner, Grace Vanskiver, qualified and I am overjoyed to finally get my chance,” Ryals said. We wish Ryals and Vanskiver well as they get ready to compete one more time.

Ryals is planning on attending Samford University of Alabama this upcoming fall semester. She is not planning to play for the school’s official tennis team and wants to step back for her freshman year in order to focus on her education.