GABRIELLA PLONOWSKI
TAM GIRLS TENNIS
Gabriella Plonowski is going places. For example, the 2022MCAL singles champ is planning to go to France next fall to train at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy.
After that, who knows?
Last summer, Plonowski spent five weeks overhauling her game at the French Riviera academy established by Patrick Mouratoglou, the former longtime coach of Serena Williams. Plonowski returned to Mill Valley determined to win the MCAL singles title and become Player of the Year.
“It transformed my game,” said Plonowski. “Before I was a really big lobber. I won but it wasn't a great way to play. By the last day in France, I was just ripping the ball.”
The Tam senior went unbeaten in league and only dropped seven games in three matches en route to the MCAL singles title. She handled Archie Williams' Carly Amborn 6-2, 6-2in the final. “Gabby is that rare combination of being both thoughtful and tough, plus she anticipates the ball really well and has great hands,” said Tam coach Kelley Busby. “All of this combines to make for a top high school player and an excellent prospect for college tennis.”
If all goes as planned, Plonowski will take a gap year to train in France for four to six months starting next fall. When she went last summer, she played tennis five hours a day with three hours of fitness training.
“It was really intense,” said Plonowski. “I love it.”
Since Plonowski just turned 17, she figures an extra year of tennis should help her land a college scholarship. Plus, she only started playing her freshman year at Tam.
“I haven't played tennis that long,” said Plonowski. “It will be another year to get better.”
While Plonowski dominated Marin tennis, she ran into the exact type of player she hopes to become during the second round at NCS. Plonowski was beaten by Montgomery High's Caroline Beard 6-1, 6-2. Beard ranks in the top 100nationally for 18-and-under girls and has a Universal Tennis Rating of 9.6; Plonowski's UTR rating is 7.