Number three single Darylann Trout and number four single Nicole Janek are the Athletes of the Week as both are undefeated at 19-0 going into the Clarkston varsity tennis team’s dual match on Sept. 20 against Troy Athens.
‘I don’t think I ever did this good at number four singles,? said Trout, a junior who last year made the quarterfinal round of the state tournament’s four singles flight.
Trout credits her unblemished individual record to hard training over the summer.
Trout began playing tennis competitively in sixth grade at Deer Lake Athletic club. She was originally spurred to take up the sport by a friend ? in a way.
‘One of my best friends started playing and I didn’t want her to be better than me,? said Trout, who claims to have never lost a match to the friend in question.
Trout enjoys waterskiing and her favorite subject in school is math. She has lived in Clarkston since she was in sixth grade with her parents Mike and Nancy and brother Evan.
Janek, like Trout, is taken aback by her dominance so far this year.
‘I though I wouldn’t do as good as I have,? said Janek, a freshman who has effortlessly stepped into Trout’s vacated number four singles slot this year.
Janek attributes much of her success to a fluid on court strategy.
‘I just go out and play, If what I’m doing doesn’t work then I adjust,? said Janek.
She also feels that the ‘balance and concentration? learned from dance lessons over the years help on the court. Janek also plays the piano and enjoys math in school.
Janek began playing tennis with her mother Laura. She said the sport steadily grew on her; she began playing competitively in fifth grade.
She has lived in Clarkston since she was five years old and lives with her mother, father Nick and brother Christian.