This tennis season will be Kayla Nutt’s second year playing for Pleasant Valley as a varsity tennis player. Last year as a freshman, Nutt was number five on the ladder for the girls’ tennis team, and this year Nutt will play as second or third on the team. In 2017, the girls’ tennis team were state champions and they hope to make it far again this year as well. “My goals this year are to win the MAC and to qualify for state as an individual and as a team,” Nutt said.

Nutt started playing tennis at four years old, after watching her older sister, Emily, play. She currently trains at Thrive Tennis Academy in Moline year round all-the-while competing in USTA tournaments. Every challenge that tennis throws at Nutt inspires her to be a better player and team member. Her biggest accomplishment in her tennis career so far has been becoming a state champion.

For Nutt, playing on the tennis team has been a great experience. Her coaches have taught her a lot and she has gained many friendships. But last year she was able to compete someone more than a friend, her sister. “Playing with my sister was an awesome experience,” Nutt exclaimed. “We have always been really close so being able to watch each other compete was a lot of fun!” She was able to compete against her sister during team practices as well as play with her as a doubles partner against other schools.

While playing for the Spartan team, she maintains motivation through not wanting to let the team down. This continues to push her as an athlete to do her best during each and every match. “Kayla has the brightest spirit. She always brings so much energy and a positive attitude to the team,” number one on the team and senior Lily Feldman remarked on Nutt. “I loved watching her progress over the years into an incredible player. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in the years to come.

Looking forward, Nutt is still undecided on her college and career plans. Tennis-wise, Nutt remains unsure if she will play for a college team, but plans to at least play at a club level. As for this season, Nutt won her first two matches of the season 6-0, 6-0 in both varsity singles and doubles against Muscatine on Thursday. With tennis being her main focus throughout the year, Nutt continues to improve and impress with every hit, serve and point.