As the sun set over the tennis courts of Columbus North High School, Aya Saad stood poised in her final season as the team’s top singles player. Her journey from a young girl watching her brother compete to becoming The Republic Girls Tennis Player of the Year is a tale of passion, perseverance, and family legacy. With a career record of 83-15, Saad not only filled the formidable shoes left by previous champions but also carved out a unique identity on the court. Now, as she prepares for the next chapter—pursuing neuroscience at Indiana University—her impact on the sport and her teammates remains indelible.

A Trailblazer In Every Sense Of The Word

Rising Through The Ranks: From Family Roots To State Stardom

Aya Saad didn’t stumble into tennis—she was practically born with a racket in her hand. Raised in a household where tennis matches were weekend staples and post-dinner conversations often revolved around Grand Slam highlights, her path seemed almost destined. Her father, Philipe, still competes regularly, while her older brother Adam was part of the 2019 Columbus North boys’ team that reached the state semifinals. Watching him thrive on the court lit a fire in young Aya, who began playing competitively at age ten.Her ascent through the ranks at Columbus North was steady yet remarkable. As a freshman, she posted an impressive 19-3 record at No. 3 singles, quickly earning respect among coaches and peers alike. By her sophomore year, she had moved up to No. 2 singles, finishing with a stellar 24-3 mark. That consistency continued into her junior season, where she maintained a near-flawless 20-2 record before making the leap to No. 1 singles in her senior year. Transitioning to the top spot wasn’t just a positional change—it meant facing the best players every time she stepped onto the court.The pressure was palpable, especially knowing she followed in the footsteps of standout players like Ashlie and Kathryn Wilson, whose combined dominance at No. 1 singles spanned five seasons. “I knew I had really big shoes to fill obviously with Ashlie and Kathryn because they were so talented,” Saad admitted. Yet instead of shrinking under the weight of expectation, she embraced it, ultimately finishing her senior season with a 19-6 record and securing her place as The Republic’s top girls’ player.

The Mental Game: Balancing Drive, Passion, And Performance

Talent alone doesn’t explain Aya Saad’s success. While her technical skills and athleticism were undeniable, it was her mindset that truly set her apart. “It wasn’t steady at all,” she said when reflecting on her emotional journey this season. “At the beginning, I had a lot of drive and power, and I did have drive throughout the season. But without passion, you can’t get anything done.” That candid insight reveals the complexity of high-level competition—where motivation ebbs and flows, and maintaining focus becomes its own challenge.Saad’s coach, Kendal Hammel, noted how her internal expectations sometimes weighed heavily. “She had put a lot of expectations on herself,” he said. “She had her shining moments, and she had her struggling moments, no doubt about it.” Yet those struggles didn’t diminish her achievements—they highlighted her resilience. Facing top-tier opponents week after week required more than physical conditioning; it demanded mental fortitude.Despite not achieving every result she hoped for, Saad remained proud of her four-year journey. “I’m so grateful to my whole team and to the coaches I have met,” she reflected. “People that stuck by me throughout all my ups and downs of tennis… They cared about me, and they know what’s best for me.” That sense of community, fostered over years of shared practices, matches, and victories, became her anchor even during challenging times.

Legacy Beyond The Baseline: What Lies Ahead For A Rising Scholar-Athlete

While many athletes dream of turning pro, Saad always envisioned a future beyond tennis. Her academic ambitions are as strong as her athletic ones, and this fall, she’ll begin studying neuroscience at Indiana University with plans to eventually apply to medical school. It’s a shift that reflects her well-rounded approach to life—a balance between discipline and curiosity, structure and exploration.“I’m done with my tennis career and will focus on the next chapter of my life,” she said matter-of-factly. Yet stepping away from the sport isn’t easy. “I’ll definitely miss that. I’m sure down the road in the future, I’ll miss it, for sure. I’ll miss my team. I’ll miss how I played and with the people I played with.” That sentiment underscores how deeply intertwined her identity is with the game—not just as a competitor, but as a teammate, leader, and ambassador for the sport.Her contributions to Columbus North’s program extend far beyond statistics. She leaves behind a culture of excellence, a standard of sportsmanship, and a reminder that greatness isn’t solely defined by wins and losses. As she transitions into academia, the lessons learned on the court—resilience, adaptability, and determination—will undoubtedly serve her well in the lab, lecture hall, and beyond.

Recognizing Excellence: The 2025 Republic All-Area Girls Tennis Team

Each year, The Republic honors standout performers across the region, and the 2025 edition featured several familiar faces from Columbus North. Leading the charge was Aya Saad, whose senior season earned her both second-team All-State Singles recognition from the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association and first-team All-Conference Indiana honors.Joining her on the list were teammates Annabelle Sun and Nino Akhalaya, both of whom made deep runs in the state doubles tournament as a pair. Sun finished the season with a 17-7 record, while Akhalaya contributed an 18-6 mark, showcasing their chemistry and tactical prowess. Lucy Bergman provided stability at No. 2 singles with a 16-11 record, and seniors Grace Conner and Lizzie Bodart anchored the doubles lineup effectively, each posting 16-9 records.Jennings County also saw strong representation, with Kaydence Lowman leading the way at No. 1 singles (17-4) and senior Mia Silvey contributing consistently at No. 2 singles (15-6). Trinity Lutheran’s Katie Malone and Presley Meyer rounded out the list with promising performances in singles play.Beyond the named honorees, numerous athletes received honorable mention recognition, underscoring the depth of talent across the region. These players, though not officially listed among the top selections, played pivotal roles in shaping competitive matches and fostering spirited rivalries throughout the season.

Looking Forward: Building On A Foundation Of Success

As Aya Saad steps away from competitive tennis, the question naturally arises: Who will step into the No. 1 singles role at Columbus North? While no single athlete can replicate Saad’s unique blend of skill and leadership, the Bull Dogs have a strong pipeline of young talent ready to rise.Programs like Columbus North thrive on continuity, and much of that comes from cultivating a culture that values hard work, teamwork, and personal growth. With several returning players and emerging stars, the foundation is already in place for another successful season. Whether it’s a returning junior looking to make the jump to singles or a promising freshman eager to prove themselves, the opportunity exists for someone new to take the reins.Coaching staff will play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders. The transition from one standout player to the next is never seamless, but with experienced mentors guiding the process, the team can maintain its high standards. Additionally, off-season training programs, summer leagues, and early-season tournaments will be instrumental in preparing athletes for the rigors of top-flight competition.Perhaps most importantly, the legacy left by players like Saad serves as a blueprint for future generations. Younger athletes will look to her example—not just for her win-loss record, but for her dedication, humility, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. That intangible influence may be the most lasting contribution of all.