TOPEKA — It was one of the best wins of Ainzley Zulueta’s tennis career. No, it wasn’t in a tournament wearing her Hayden uniform.
It was against her dad.
Zulueta beat her father when she was 14-years old and she still talks about with pride as a senior on Hayden’s tennis team. It is one of her favorite wins to date.
“Yeah, it was,” She smiled. “Now, whenever we go outside and he tries to teach me, I know that I can beat him.”
Zulueta’s relationship with her Dad is steeped in tennis. She would return foam tennis balls back-and-forth as a 3-year old. When she grew up, she decided to focus on tennis over ballet to spend more time with him. Today, she is still flying around the court gracefully like a ballet dancer.
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Zulueta won the Topeka City Championship last week. It was another win for the dominate tennis player that won individual state championships in her freshman and sophomore seasons. Zulueta has started her season with a perfect 12-0 record.
After her sophomore season, Zulueta departed Hayden for Texas. She spent time at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels and dedicated extended hours to her tennis game improving in all aspects.
Last summer, she also spent time in California where she improved her game against other talented players. These two places helped her become the tennis player that she has always aspired to be.
“My fitness improved there a lot and our coaches were tough,” she said. “It makes it so much more worth it when you are with so many kids your age. You are not alone, it made me enjoy tennis again.”
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Due to the Kansas State High School Activities Association’ regulations, Zulueta was forced to sit out her junior season because of the time spent in Texas. She was unable to represent Hayden on the court in 2023, but she is back and excited to be back on a team.
Zulueta would have been a favorite to win the individual state title in 2023. She is also a favorite at this year’s state tournament when it begins in a few weeks. Winning four straight championships is rare, Zulueta thinks about it, but the thought is not overwhelming her of what could have been.
“I do, but I think my experience was worth it,” Zulueta said. “I don’t regret it.”
Zulueta has an inner peace that can be felt when she is speaking. Her calmness transfers directly to the court, too. One of the things she focused on during her time away from Hayden was being patient. It helped her defeat opponents easily while also executing the correct shot.
“My power has improved, but most of all, my consistency and mindset. Before, I needed to just finish the point quick and now I am just waiting for the right time,” Zulueta said.
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Zulueta will be playing her college tennis at Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. The NCAA Division II school drew the Hayden senior because of their academics. Zulueta will be studying ophthalmology.
“The level of tennis there is pretty good. They have a really good conference,” Zulueta said. “The campus was nice when I visited and the offer was good.”
The tennis season has a few more weeks remaining. Zulueta will be comfortable on her home courts in the postseason, Kossover Tennis Center.
Hayden and Kossover are hosting the Class 4A State Championship on Oct. 19. Zulueta will be hoping to lift another state title while helping the Wildcats return to the podium.
“It was tough not going to state, it was so far away last year, so I couldn’t go support the team,” Zulueta said. “I am glad to be back and it’s nice to be with the team again.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Inside Hayden’s Ainzley Zulueta outstanding tennis season
