HABITUAL CHAMPION

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 6, 2008 | by KATY BOOTH,

Palmer senior Veronika Wojakowska has made winning a habit during her high school career.

As a sophomore, she won the 5A No. 1 singles title, and finished fourth in 2007.

This year, she claimed her third straight regional title after defeating Lewis-Palmer's Deanna Thirkell 6-2, 6-1, and entered the state tournament undefeated after playing the area's top 5A and most of the best 4A players.

The Gazette Girls Tennis Player of the Year's season ended in the 5A quarterfinals with a loss to Poudre's Natalie Dunn, 5-7, 6-4, 6- 0.

How did you begin playing tennis?

I had just given up gymnastics, and my mom always made sure that my sister and I were staying active and playing sports. We found these old tennis rackets in the garage, and pretty soon we were hooked. We started playing all the time.

What was one of the things you enjoyed most about this past season?

I loved having my sister on the team. We grew up playing together, and it was really great to have this year where we could play together on the same team, at the same events. She was just fun to watch this year.

You were undefeated this year during the regular season. Was that something that you thought about a lot or felt pressure to maintain?

It was something that was always in the back of my mind. I tried not to think about it too much, but I really wanted to keep the streak going.

What were your goals coming into this season?

This year, I just wanted to do my best, and at least win regionals. I would have liked to have made it further in the tournament, but it just didn't work out the way I planned it. Since I won state, I've wanted to do it again, but I guess this just wasn't my year.

Do you have a favorite tennis player?

I really like players like Kim Clijsters who just always find a way to get the ball back over the net. I would always watch her, and then try to do that in my matches. I've always liked watching Roger Federer, too.

What do you like best in school?

I've always been a math person. But my junior year, my mom asked me if I thought I might be interested in engineering, so I started looking into it more, and I think that's what I want to do.

What are you going to be doing next year?

I'm going to go to Bradley University in Illinois.

What were you looking for when you chose Bradley?

Well, I really was looking for a good engineering school and a Division I tennis program. I really liked the coaches at Bradley. Since I'm not sure what type of engineering I want to do yet, I was glad that they have good programs in several different types.