State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Allison Kloos, Jacolyn Kloos

Position or events: No. 2 Doubles

Career highlight:

• Won conference (junior year)
• Placed second at conference (senior year)
• Qualified for sectionals (senior year)
• Placed fourth at sectionals

At what age did you start playing your main sport? 

10

Who introduced you to the sport? 

My sister, Allison, and her coach, Dave Jordan. 

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Yes, tennis has always been my favorite sport. 

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year? 

Balancing academics with tennis has always been challenging, especially since meets often mean missing full days of school. As the years have gone on and my classes have become more difficult, it’s taken even more effort to stay on top of both academics and athletics.

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

My favorite part about tennis is the friendships I’ve made and the accomplishments I’ve achieved throughout high school.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long? 

I’ve stuck with tennis because of the personal growth it’s brought me and my desire to prove myself to my teammates and coaches.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/track? 

My biggest asset is my sportsmanship. No matter who I’m playing against, friend or stranger, I’m always cheering them on and hoping they perform their best.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far? 

Winning conference my junior year was an unforgettable moment. We faced a team we had never beaten before, and after splitting sets, we won the ten-point tiebreaker to secure the victory. Earning the gold Wisconsin Valley Conference medal that day was an incredible feeling.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

Looking back, I remember how separated JV and Varsity players were when I was a freshman. I promised myself that once I became an upperclassman, I would help change that. This year, I made it a point to attend every home meet for both JV and Varsity, cheering for everyone and helping close the gap between the two groups. While some players kept that division alive, I’m proud that I helped our team feel more unified, reminding everyone that we’re one team, no matter our skill levels.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to? 

• Lily Perkins – One of my best friends and No. 1 supporter
• Devin Weis, Clara Hodges, and Amelia Wellens – Friends who have played tennis with me since freshman year
• Jasmine Buth – My senior-year doubles partner; kind, talented and supportive through every win and loss
• Dave Jordan – My first coach, who taught me everything I know and is the reason I stuck with tennis

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

Painting, traveling, hiking and photography. 

Favorite song?  

“Timeless” by Taylor Swift

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.) 

I plan to attend a four-year college and major in geology. In the future, I hope to earn a doctorate and travel the world for my career.