Junior Kaj Kabongo has been playing tennis for six to seven years. Kabongo is one of the captains on the Pleasant Valley girls’ tennis team. Despite an injury setback in her sophomore year season, she made a powerful comeback to place fourth with her partner, Grace Hall, in the state individual doubles tournament.
Kabongo’s return to the court was fueled not by ease, but by resilience and a hunger to compete again.“The hardest part about coming back was knowing everyone else had a year to train and develop while my skills diminished. I stayed motivated by reminding myself how I felt missing the feeling of competing and remembering how it felt at a high level with people cheering me on. I channeled that energy into my training on the court,” shared Kabongo.
Her presence has been the anchor for Pleasant Valley this season. As a captain, she competes with a calm and directed approach, which helps to guide the team through practice and competition.
This year, Pleasant Valley qualified for the state tournament, a testament to the team’s commitment. Kabongo has been the key to that success. She is known for staying calm during pressure situations and thinking strategically about how to play the game. She has brought leadership and experience, which have helped the team navigate close games and stay in shape throughout the season.
“With tennis, I’ve learned you should never underestimate an opponent and you have to be more mentally stronger than just playing well. You never know, and you might surprise yourself. You can come back stronger after losing to someone, taking every loss as a lesson and a stepping stone. Don’t let it be the end, you can always learn something from every match.” Kabongo said.
Senior Ellie Wright, who serves alongside Kabongo as team captain, reflected on her leadership and influence. “Kaj is one of the most dedicated people I’ve known. She never gives up on others or herself. Even when things get tough, she has a way to stay positive and push forward. She’s the kind of person who will challenge you to be better by just being around her.”
Kabongo continues to balance her athletic responsibilities with schooling, taking challenging courses like AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and Spanish. Her ability to manage both reflects the discipline she brings to all areas of her life. With one year remaining in her high school career, she remains focused on her personal growth and team goals.
Her journey from injury to captainhood is a reminder of the value of persistence and perspective. For Kabongo, tennis is not just about competition, but about learning, adapting and leading.
