May 4th, 2023
Get to Know the Players at the FHSAA 2023 State Championships: Stephanie Hilton
At the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association Tennis State Championships, USTA Florida caught up with 4A Team Champion Stephanie Hilton, a senior from Miami Palmetto Senior High. Hear what she had to say about her journey in tennis, the season, and more.
Rapid Fire Questions
Q: How long have you been playing tennis?
A: Roughly ten years.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about this team?
A: That everybody is very family oriented, it’s a very good team environment.
Q: What have you learned about teamwork playing on this team?
A: It’s not just about yourself. You’re playing for you and your teammates and they’re all here to help.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories this season?
A: A couple close doubles matches that I’ve had with my partner this season.
Q: What are you hoping to accomplish this season?
A: To win states, it’s always 100% to win states.
Q: Any plans to continue playing tennis after high school?
A: I’ll be playing college tennis. I am going to the University of Rhode Island.
Q: Do you think high school tennis helped you prepare for college?
A: Oh 100%! I think it’s going to be very similar. Obviously, the competition will be different, more rigorous matches, but I think it’s good prep for colleges.
Q: Do you have anyone that you attribute your tennis success to or coach a mentor?
A: I would say my dad. He had a big influence on me playing tennis. He was my coach for a while, and I feel like he influenced a lot and has helped me a lot in my tennis journeys.
Q: What’s the best thing about tennis?
A: I would say competing. I like competing and it’s all by yourself, which could be a positive or negative.
Q: Can you tell me one nice thing about your team?
A: They’re all fun, they’re all positive, they’re all great people and I couldn’t ask for a better team.
Interested in playing high school tennis next season? Visit ustaflorida.com/youth-tennis for all the latest information.
