Down four to six in the third set tiebreaker at the 2016 IHSA girls state tennis finals, Lahari Yelamanchili ’19 focused in on the match. Though the match remained close throughout, Yelamanchili would win the match by two points and claim the Class 2A individual state title on Oct. 22.

“[Yelamanchili is] one of the most consistent and tenacious kids I’ve ever coached,” varsity Head Coach Bill Wham said. “She’s playing to win—it doesn’t matter who her opponent is.”

After experiencing a knee injury as a freshman, Yelamanchili came into her sophomore season recovered from the injury, Wham said. Playing singles for the first time in her high school career, she went undefeated in the 2016 season with a 23-0 record.

Despite Yelamanchili’s perfect record, the state tournament is tough, and athletes sometimes do not know their opponents, Wham said.

“[Yelamanchili’s] game would definitely get her to the state semi-finals, but you just don’t know who you’re going to play,” Wham said. “This year [LT athletes] wouldn’t know a third of [their] opponents because matches and tournament weekends got rained out all of the time, leaving LT short nine to 12 matches.”

As a freshman, Yelamanchili played doubles with Stefana Vasic ‘16. The duo recorded a record of 31-2 for the 2015 season and placed fifth at the 2015 state tournament.

“[Yelamanchili] is a great doubles partner,” Vasic said. “She’s always super upbeat and positive which makes her a key aspect [of] the team.”

When not in high school tennis season, Yelamanchili plays United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis. Through USTA she plays individually in tournaments against other players from around the country, Yelamanchili said. The opportunity to play alongside teammates at LT is a change of pace from what is typically an individual sport.

“[My teammates] have been amazing,” Yelamanchili said. “I definitely could not have done any of this without them.”

Even though Yelamanchili is now a state champion with a desire to play collegiate tennis, she plans on keeping the same attitude towards tennis as before, Yelamanchili said.

“I’ll have the same attitude because it’s just really fun being on a team,” Yelamanchili said..