Spring sports are in full swing at Pleasant Valley high school, and student athletes are starting off strong. Two of these student athletes are Emily and Kayla Nutt. The Nutt sisters are one of the few sibling powerhouses here at PV, and they dominate the tennis courts.
For the Nutt sisters, one could say playing tennis runs in the family. They both have grown up playing tennis, Emily starting at age 6 and Kayla at age 4. Their mom played high school tennis and their dad likes to play for fun. Along with their parents, the coaches at Life Fitness Center, Quad City Tennis Club, and the PV high school coaches have all played a huge part in teaching the sisters how to play and keep them excited about the sport.
This year is the first year that both sisters have played on the PV girls tennis team together. Emily is a senior and Kayla is a freshman, but their compatibility on the court, playing doubles, is like no other. Emily says, “I have loved getting to watch Kayla play in her first varsity matches, and I’m so proud of everything she’s done so far! She’s a huge addition to our team.” Adding to the sisterly love, Kayla says, “It is great to spend our first and last high school seasons together. I can’t wait to see what Emily is able to accomplish this year!” Their goals for the season include winning the MAC Conference as a team (4-peat) and winning Team State.
The Nutt sisters are a key part of the PV tennis team, but they are also a part of Thrive Tennis Academy. “Thrive has helped strengthen our games strategically and technically. It also provides a really fun team atmosphere,” the sisters say. Not only has Thrive shaped the sisters’ tennis games, but it also has had a lasting impact on their lives. The girls say, “We have a lot of inside jokes with the other Thrive kids from team travel tournaments… You had to be there.”
With years of tennis under their belts, comes years of shared memories. Emily’s most memorable match was when she and Hannah Humes beat Iowa City High in a close doubles match to win the dual meet and advance to the Team State Semifinals. Along with memories, the Nutt sisters have made countless friends through the sport. “My tennis idol, Keeli Richards, joined the high school team this year and always brings lots of energy onto the court. She also has a killer forehand.” The feeling is mutual between the friends, Richards, senior, says, “Emily and Kayla are both tennis legends! It is so fun to watch them play. They are both humble and incredibly talented at thriving on. I’m excited to see what they will accomplish this year as the PV tennis season progresses.”
With a career in tennis possibly in their futures, the Nutt sisters look forward to playing the sport they love everyday. Emily plans on trying out for the club team at the University of Iowa next
