Senior tennis standout qualifies for state
Margaret Bugnacki, senior, slams the ball at a recent practice. Bugnacki has been aiming for state since sophomore year and hopes to continue playing in college.
On October 8, Margaret Bugnacki, senior, competed in sectionals on the behalf of the girls tennis team. Bugnacki placed second in the competition, qualifying for state.
“Last year was the first year that I actually won a match in sectionals. So that was a big deal to me,” Bugnacki said. “This year I was hoping to do the same, which I did.”
Bugnacki began striving for state only a few years ago.
“I truly didn’t start realizing how much I wanted to get to state until my sophomore [or] junior year,” she said.
That was when Bugnacki started to put in the necessary effort.
“I’ve just been drilling and drilling, and that’s really when I’ve been able to take off and become the player I am today.”
This year, she was able to get a better placement in sectionals than last year.
“I got third last year, second this year, so now I’m hoping that that will help me with my seeding for state.”
As a senior, Bugnacki is grateful to have gotten to where she is now as a player.
“I’m just hoping for a great last senior year bang. I just want it to be a memorable one and just try my hardest, harder than last year and all the years prior.”
I’m just hoping for a great last senior year bang. I just want it to be a memorable one and just try my hardest, harder than last year and all the years prior. — Margaret Bugnacki, senior
Now Bugnacki is focusing on preparing for the state competition, which takes place on October 17, 18 and 19.
“I’m doing a bunch of group lessons at my club, hitting with a bunch of tennis players … and getting lessons from my private coach.”
She has high hopes that state will bring more attention from colleges.
“I want to play tennis in college, and I’ve already had a couple schools contact me. And I’ve talked with their players and the coaches. So I’m just hoping that at state this year there will be just more coaches or colleges that are looking at me so I can join their team.”
But for the time being, she is focused on having fun with tennis and the team.
“I enjoy the sport a lot. I just I enjoy being on the team at Shorewood and it’s an easy group that I can be with.”
