Girls tennis: All-County team

Four consecutive seasons of standing across the net from the opposing team’s best player failed to faze Rylie Wilkison.

Truth be known, not much has.

Entrenched at No. 1 singles for Franklin since the first serves of the 2021 season, Wilkison finished her high school career with 81 wins — third all-time amongst Grizzly Cub girls players and most among those who solely played singles.

After posting a 24-2 record as a senior, Wilkison is the Daily Journal’s Player of the Year — marking the third consecutive season that Wilkison, who’ll play tennis at the University of Southern Indiana beginning later this summer, has been honored.

Wilkison topped the Grizzly Cubs’ lineup for back-to-back state semifinalist teams in 2023 and 2024, making for a prep career she’s thoroughly enjoyed. She also played a major role in four straight Mid-State Conference team championships.

“Freshman year it was very scary because I didn’t know what to expect playing a lot of really good older girls,” Wilkison said. “It went so fast. I wish I could’ve played better in some matches, but it’s over now. I’ve had some really good matches, too.”

The latter certainly outweighed the former, though with Wilkison being her own worst critic, it was sometimes difficult to tell. Even after a win, the senior’s best ally could often be five or 10 minutes to cool down.

“Just because I knew my ability. At the same time, it kind of motivated me, and helps my mindset in a way,” Wilkison explains. “It helped me stay motivated. I wanted to win every match and be the best I could. And I didn’t want to give up in any matches.”

Wilkison, an excellent student with a 4.0 grade-point average, plans to major in nursing at USI.

Her father, former University of Indianapolis men’s tennis player Stan Wilkison, introduced the sport to his daughter, who took it from there.

“My dad played tennis. He got me into it, and I loved it,” said Wilkison, who’s been competing since she was a fifth-grader. “I just liked being out there winning points. I had so much when I played for fun, or competitively.”

Despite being part of one of the most talented senior classes in the history of Franklin girls tennis, Wilkison never failed to put in the work required to keep her at No. 1 singles, be it on the court or in the weight room.

“Rylie was more of an all-court player this year,” Hughes said. “She’s always s had a good kick serve, and was able to add a good slice and a good power serve. It’s the same as a baseball pitcher. If you just throw a fastball, people are going to catch on.

“She has improved every year. Rylie is a hard-working athlete who has worked on her game. You really have to give her credit.”

ALL-COUNTY TEAM

The 2024 All-County team for girls tennis:

Singles

Marnie Moore, Franklin sophomore: Named All-District and honorable mention All-State … Finished with a 24-1 record at No. 2 singles.

Chelsie Rayl, Franklin senior: Went 22-1 at third singles and became school’s career leader in wins with 89 …Academic All-State, All-District and honorable mention All-State … Indiana North-South All-Star.

Sloane Small, Center Grove sophomore: Named All-District and honorable mention All-State … Finished with a combined mark of 6-13 playing either No. 1 or 2 singles for the Trojans.

Rylie Wilkison, Franklin senior: County player of the year for a third consecutive season … First team All-State and All-District … Finished 24-2 on the year and 81-12 all-time … Indiana North-South All-Star.

Doubles

Ava Beecher and Lauren Dick, Center Grove: Sectional and regional champions and state quarterfinalists … First team All-State, All-District and Indiana North-South All-Stars … Finished 14-2 … Dick named Academic All-State.

Kate Pinnick and Kennedy Urban, Franklin: Finished with a record of 18-3 together, earning second-team All-State recognition and All-District honors.

Anna Runkle and Kenna Harbin, Center Grove: Posted 10-3 record as Trojans’ No. 2 doubles combo … Runkle was 14-5 playing No. 1 and No. 2 doubles and took part in Indiana North-South All-Star event.

Emma Sappenfield and Maleah Murphy, Franklin: Named All-District and second-team All-State after finishing with a 24-1 record.

Honorable mention

Singles

Val Arriz, Center Grove; Maggie Boyce, Greenwood; Emerson Donaldson, Center Grove; Zoey Sida, Edinburgh; Candace Stephenson, Whiteland; Reese Tunell, Indian Creek; Jessica Walsh, Edinburgh

Doubles

Lanie Swanson and Lexi Sichting, Indian Creek; Kinsey Shipp and Cathy Nguyen, Whiteland; Karley Hoagland and Namjeet Kaur, Whiteland