Shannon Rogers, More Confident Than Ever
Returning for her fourth year at Cox High School is undefeated singles player Shannon Rogers, who has a lot to prove. Having been ranked number one in her junior season and now senior year, Rogers expects an explosive season, both from herself and her team.
"We've lost some of our strongest players last year," said Rogers. "But now were back and hungrier then ever." Even with the losses to the team, Rogers is still expected to make another legitimate run at the singles championship this year. "Last year I was expected to be the champ," Rogers explains. "But under the pressure I choked in the first round against Katie Blow from Mills Godwin in Richmond."
Rogers is determined to learn from her mistakes this year and come back to be the state champ. Her rival, Blow, is also expected to be in contention at the championships again this year.
"Last year my weapons weren't working," Rogers says. "I was playing defense the whole time and just couldn't get into the rhythm."
After signing to the University of Southern Mississippi in late November, Rogers feels more confident then ever. "I signed to the school for doubles" explains Rogers. "But I love playing singles."
Roger's partner for doubles at Cox is junior Abbey Wetzel. Her explosiveness on the court keeps Rogers on her toes. "She the best doubles partner I've ever had," Rogers says. "I think competing with her challenges me to do better on my own. Trying to keep pace with such an explosive player takes a lot and I think it carries over into my singles play."
Clearly Rogers has a lot on her plate this year - the pressure of being a state champ, carrying her team through to be champions again, and defeating her rival Blow in singles play. "Last year I was confident but not like this year," Rogers says. "Last year I got knocked out in the first round of one of the biggest matches of my high school career. But after that defeat I stepped back and realized it wasn't over. I'm back this year and I am ready to take what's mine. I'm hungrier than ever for this win and nothing will keep me from it."
