On June 14, Samaya Smith of Warren Central etched her name into the history books by becoming the first African American to claim the IHSAA girls tennis state championship. This victory marked a significant milestone not only for Smith personally but also for her school, which celebrated its first-ever tennis state champion. Transitioning from a dual-sport athlete in track and tennis, Smith dedicated herself fully to tennis in her junior year, overcoming early struggles and mental barriers with the help of sports psychologist Austin Halcomb. Her determination, combined with strong family support and coaching guidance, enabled her to come back from losing the first set in the finals to win the next two sets decisively. Beyond her athletic prowess, Smith is known for her humility, kindness, and ability to uplift teammates and opponents alike.
Smith’s journey to the championship was anything but straightforward. Initially splitting her time between track and tennis during her freshman and sophomore years, she faced challenges when returning to the court after long breaks for track training. The transition to full-time tennis came with frustration, particularly when she found it difficult to regain her rhythm. Recognizing the need for mental conditioning, Smith began working with Halcomb, who helped her develop techniques such as deep breathing, self-talk, and on-court resets to stay focused under pressure. These strategies proved crucial during the state finals, where she turned around a first-set loss with remarkable composure.
Her coach, Jonn Patterson, noted how Smith’s rapid learning and adaptability set her apart. Just days before the conference tournament, he introduced the concept of a “golden set”—winning a set without allowing the opponent to score. Though unfamiliar with the term, Smith quickly absorbed the idea and executed it flawlessly in her matches. Coaches and mentors have likened her growth to that of a sponge—eager, fast, and effective. Daryl Whitley, another coach at Warren Central with decades of tennis experience, compared her potential to rising stars like Coco Gauff, praising her speed, technique, and instinctive understanding of the game.
Beyond the court, Smith’s character shines just as brightly as her athletic talent. Opponents describe her as fair, respectful, and a joy to compete against. Alexandra Grilliot, her rival in the state finals, spoke highly of their friendly rivalry and mutual respect, noting how facing Smith pushed her to elevate her own game. Teammates and coaches frequently highlight Smith’s supportive nature, often seen cheering for others and offering encouragement after matches. Her humility and team-first attitude are credited to the values instilled by her parents, both accomplished athletes themselves, who have supported her every step of the way.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in track and field success, Smith’s decision to focus on tennis represented a bold departure from tradition. Her mother, Le’gretta, is a decorated track coach, and her father, Stephen, was a Pan American Games medalist in high jump. Despite this legacy, her family embraced her choice wholeheartedly, recognizing her passion and dedication to tennis. For Stephen, watching his daughter rise through the ranks while staying grounded has been a source of immense pride. As Samaya looks toward the future, her story stands as an inspiration—not only for aspiring athletes but for anyone daring to carve their own path.