Gateway High School is making history this week as they send their first-ever tennis team to the FHSAA state tennis championship. The Lady Panthers have had an impressive season, capturing both district and regional championships to earn their spot in the Class 3A tournament.
The team’s journey to the state championship began with a dominant performance at the District 3A-13 tournament, where they secured 19 out of a possible 21 team points. They continued their winning streak at the Region 7 championship, defeating Okeechobee in the semifinals before facing off against South Fork in the finals.
In a nail-biting match, Gateway’s No. 2 doubles team of Anisa and Zulaika Hanafi clinched a dramatic victory that secured the district crown for the Panthers. Now, they are gearing up to face a top-four seeded opponent in the state tournament, with teams like Naples Barron Collier and St. Thomas Aquinas in the mix.
Coach Jeremiah Swartz expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, especially for the four seniors who have played together for years. The team’s depth, with standout players like Anaila and Aurelia Cooks, has been a key factor in their success this season.
Not only will Gateway be competing as a team at the state tournament, but senior captain Anaila Cooks has also qualified for the individual state tournament. Celebration High School will also be represented at the championship, with district champion Valeria Lopez and the No. 1 doubles team of Lopez and Diana Perez making their mark.
As the Panthers and the Lady Storm prepare to face off against top competition at the state tournament, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Stay tuned to see if Gateway can make even more history on the courts of Sanlando Parks in Altamonte Springs.