STEPHANIE BERRY

STEPHANIE BERRY
School: Boardman
Grade: Senior
Statistics/accomplishments: Along with doubles partner Gina Peretti, she placed fourth at state in Division I doubles, earning all-Ohio honors. Won Steel Valley Conference tournament, Jackson Invitational, Dover Invitational, won district title two straight years and sectional title three straight years. She finished with a 22-2 singles record and 10-2 doubles record.
Positive influences in your athletic career: My coaches, Jeff Hammerton and Susan Cianciola. They are two out of a very small group of people who have never doubted us.
Best memory from this season: Our quarterfinal match at the state meet. We had the most fans we've ever had.
GINA PERETTI
School: Boardman
Grade: Senior
Statistics/accomplishments: (See above.) Finished with 21-3 singles record.
Positive influence: My coaches, Jeff Hammerton and Susan Cianciola. They have always pushed me to go one step further and make me give everything I have, which makes me a better player.
Best memory: The state tournament. It was our last year and we made the best of it. We had a lot of fans in Columbus supporting us and we created numerous unforgettable memories.
Something people don't know about you or would be surprised to learn: My favorite hobby is eating.
ERIN BENNETT
School: Poland
Year: Junior
Statistics/accomplishments: Went undefeated (with Stephanie Kobuch) in sectional doubles play and entered the district tournament as the top seed and qualified for the state tournament.
Positive influence: My coach, Pam Steinhauser, because she helped me improve my game and gave me the incentive to work harder and to enjoy the game.
Best memory: Qualifying for state and playing at Ohio State.
Surprised to learn: I love to travel and shop.
STEPHANIE KOBUCH
School: Poland
Grade: Senior
Statistics/accomplishments: Competed in tournaments in France. Finished fourth at the district meet and lost in the first round of state.
Positive influences: My coach, Pam Steinhauser. She's one of just a few people who told me that I am a great player and that encouraged me a lot. My dad, because he taught me how to play and practiced with me a few times.
Best memory: Going down to Columbus with Erin for the state meet. We didn't play very good, but we had a lot of fun. I also enjoyed being with the team, practicing or at games. The girls are very nice.
Surprised to learn: I am an exchange student from France. I came here in August and I'll be here until June. Everything is a lot different here and I miss a lot of things.
RENEE LESNETT
School: Canfield
Grade: Freshman
Statistics/accomplishments: Qualified for the state tournament. Placed third at the sectional and district tournaments, earning first team all-Metro Athletic Conference honors and finishing the season with a record of 30-3.
Positive influence: My sister, Allison, has been a strong, positive influence. I watched her compete in state tennis competition when I was growing up and I hoped to get there myself. She got me interested in tennis and still plays with me when she is home from college.
Surprised to learn: In addition to tennis, I love to play basketball.
COACH OF THE YEAR
JEFF HAMMERTON
School: Boardman
Statistics/accomplishments: The Spartans finished with an 18-2 record (8-0 in SVC) and won the Dover Invitational. Advanced to Northeast semifinal of the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association state team tournament.
Positive influence: My father, Larry Hammerton. No matter what sport I competed in, he always made time to work with me. He has an amazing work ethic and I try to emulate him daily.
Best memory: There are so many great memories when you are surrounded by 18 of the greatest, most dedicated and hard working young ladies in the area. My best memory was Gina Peretti's and Stephanie Berry's run for a state doubles title. We may have come up short, but it was a lot of fun and extremely rewarding.
Surprised to learn: My first major was in radio and TV production. I returned to college to pursue a degree in education, striving to teach, coach and influence young people.