Emily Soares
Emily Soares
Sport: Tennis
The performance: Soares, a Hilo High senior, won her first United States Tennis Association national 18s tournament Monday, defeating Abigail Chiu 7-6(3), 6-0 in Waipahu, Oahu.
Her most impressive victory of the event – only four national selection tournament are held each year – came Sunday when she took down Lexi Milunovich from New Canaan, Conn., 1-6, 7-6(7), 6-4. Milunovich is ranked 36th in the nation, 62 spots ahead of Soares, who is the first Hawaii-born player to claim a national selection tournament event played on the islands.
Soares will try to defend her BIIF title in the spring as she sifts through several scholarship offers.
5 questions
Favorite song: “Love Myself,” by Hailee Steinfeld
What makes you happy: Hanging out with family and friends
Favorite cartoon character: Jerry from Tom and Jerry
Favorite food: Vanilla ice cream
Favorite sports role model: Coach Randy Kunimoto, because he’s a miracle worker with my hitting and is the best hitting partner
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